The Kansas City Chiefs’ star players, Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, find themselves entangled in a legal battle with a sneaker company over trademark infringement. Kelce, Mahomes, and their restaurant partners at 1587 Prime have been sued by 1587 Sneakers, alleging that the restaurant’s name infringes on the sneaker company’s trademark.
Kelce and Mahomes ventured into the restaurant business last year, opening 1587 Prime in collaboration with Noble 33. The restaurant’s name is a nod to the players’ jersey numbers, further cementing their legacy beyond the football field.
According to a recent report by ESPN, 1587 Sneakers began selling their products in 2023 but only applied for the “1587” trademark in October 2025. On the other hand, Kelce and Mahomes had already applied for their trademark in 2023, catering to the bar and restaurant category, while 1587 Sneakers’ trademark falls under clothing.
Trademark attorney Josh Gerben, not affiliated with either party in the case, explained to ESPN that trademarks can coexist in different industries. However, given the similarity in marks between a restaurant and a shoe company, the question remains whether consumers might confuse the two as affiliated with one another.
The sneaker company not only alleges infringement based on identical names but also claims that 1587 Prime sells clothing alongside food, leading customers to believe it is associated with Kelce and Mahomes’ eatery.
In response, Adam King, co-founder of 1587 Sneakers, expressed a desire for mutual respect and understanding while hoping to resolve the matter amicably. The legal battle between the powerhouse athletes and the sneaker company has undoubtedly sparked intrigue within the sports and fashion industries.
As the legal drama unfolds, the collision of sports, fashion, and business highlights the complexities of trademark infringement in a modern, interconnected world. The case serves as a reminder of the blurred lines between different industries and the importance of protecting one’s intellectual property in a competitive marketplace.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.