Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are currently navigating a legal challenge concerning the name of their Kansas City steakhouse, 1587 Prime. A sneaker brand, 1587 Sneakers, has filed a lawsuit alleging trademark infringement, claiming that the use of “1587” by the restaurant conflicts with its own branding.
The dispute centers around the shared number combination. The sneaker company asserts that it began selling footwear under the “1587” name on April 13, 2023. In contrast, the restaurant’s name is derived from Mahomes’ jersey number, 15, and Kelce’s jersey number, 87. The sneaker brand contends that it had already established its mark in commerce prior to the restaurant’s inception.
Court documents reveal that 1587 Prime applied for its trademark in December 2023 within the restaurant category, while 1587 Sneakers submitted its application the previous October for clothing. The sneaker company claims that a significant number of consumers have mistakenly believed the two ventures are affiliated.
The lawsuit seeks to prohibit the restaurant group from using the “1587” branding, halt the sale of related merchandise, and recover unspecified damages.
Legal Perspectives on Trademark Infringement
Trademark attorney Josh Gerben, who is not involved in this case, suggests that the sneaker brand may encounter obstacles in proving infringement. He explained that trademarks are frequently permitted to coexist across different industries unless consumer confusion is demonstrably evident.
Gerben remarked, “I think it’s a tough case for the sneaker company. Trademarks can coexist in 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?”
As of now, representatives for both Mahomes and Kelce have not provided comments regarding the lawsuit. The outcome of this legal battle will ultimately determine whether 1587 Prime can continue operating under its current name.
The case highlights the complexities of trademark law, particularly when names overlap in unrelated industries. As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus will be on how the courts interpret consumer confusion and the potential for brands to share similar identifiers without legal repercussions.
