Mahomes & Kelce Sued Over 1587 Prime Restaurant Trademark Dispute

Kansas City, Missouri – A dispute over trademark rights has led to a lawsuit filed against NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, centering on their recently opened restaurant, 1587 Prime. The legal action, brought by 1587 Sneakers, an Asian American and Pacific Islander-owned footwear and apparel company, alleges trademark infringement and seeks to prevent the athletes and their business partners from using the “1587” designation.

The lawsuit, filed on February 17 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, claims that the restaurant’s name is causing confusion among consumers and potentially harming the sneaker company’s business. 1587 Sneakers asserts that it began using the “1587” trademark in April 2023, predating the announcement of 1587 Prime in 2024 and its subsequent opening in September 2025.

The core of the dispute lies in the use of the number “1587.” According to the lawsuit, 1587 Sneakers chose the number to commemorate the year 1587, marking the first recorded arrival of Asians in America. The company positions itself as celebrating this historical significance through its brand. The restaurant, co-owned by Mahomes and Kelce alongside Noble 33, adopted the name “1587 Prime” as a combination of the jersey numbers of the two Kansas City Chiefs players.

While both entities utilize the same numerical designation, their respective trademark applications differ in category. 1587 Sneakers filed its application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in October 2025, classifying it under “clothing.” The application is currently still under review. Meanwhile, 1587 Prime filed its trademark application in December 2023, categorizing it within the “bar and restaurant” sector.

Legal experts suggest the case presents a complex challenge for 1587 Sneakers. Trademark attorney Josh Gerben of Gerben IP, who is not involved in the litigation, noted that trademarks can often coexist across different industries. “Given that the marks are essentially identical here, is a restaurant and a shoe company too close? Are consumers likely to be confused in thinking they are affiliated with one another?” Gerben questioned, as reported by ESPN.

The lawsuit further alleges that consumers are, in fact, under the impression that 1587 Sneakers is affiliated with, or endorsed by, the restaurant and the two NFL stars. This perceived connection, the company argues, is diverting business and damaging its brand reputation. 1587 Sneakers states it sells its products nationwide and has received media coverage from outlets including The Boston Globe, Teen Vogue, ABC, NBC, and even the television program “Shark Tank.”

The legal action seeks an injunction to halt the use of the “1587” mark by Mahomes, Kelce, and their restaurant partners. In addition to the injunction, the lawsuit requests unspecified damages, as well as reimbursement for attorney’s fees and associated legal costs.

The case highlights the increasing importance of trademark protection in a landscape where celebrity endorsements and brand collaborations are commonplace. The outcome could set a precedent for similar disputes involving the use of identical or similar marks across disparate industries. The question of “first use” – which entity can demonstrate prior commercial use of the trademark – will likely be a central point of contention during the legal proceedings.

As of February 24, 2026, a statement from 1587 Prime has not been released. The restaurant and the athletes’ representatives have not publicly commented on the lawsuit. The case is being closely watched by legal professionals and branding experts, who anticipate a potentially protracted legal battle.

The lawsuit arrives amidst a period of heightened scrutiny surrounding intellectual property rights, particularly in the realm of sports and entertainment. The increasing commercialization of athletes and their ventures has led to a surge in trademark applications and, an increase in trademark disputes. This case underscores the need for thorough due diligence and legal counsel when establishing new brands, especially those leveraging recognizable numbers or symbols.