Sneaker Company Files Trademark Infringement Lawsuit Against Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce

Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are named in a legal complaint alleging trademark violations related to their 1587 Prime restaurant partnership.

A trademark infringement lawsuit has been filed against Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce by a sneaker company. The legal action centers on the branding of the duo’s upscale steakhouse venture, 1587 Prime, which is a collaboration with Noble 33. The plaintiff alleges that the restaurant's name and associated marketing materials violate existing intellectual property rights held by the footwear manufacturer. This litigation was officially submitted to the court system, naming both three-time Super Bowl champions as individual defendants alongside their corporate hospitality partners.

The conflict focuses on the specific numerical designation '1587,' which combines the jersey numbers of the two NFL stars. Mahomes wears number 15, while Kelce has donned number 87 throughout his career with the Chiefs. The sneaker firm claims prior ownership of trademarks that overlap with this branding choice, asserting that the commercial use of these digits in the hospitality sector creates consumer confusion. Legal documents indicate that the restaurant group, Noble 33, which operates high-end dining locations globally, is also a primary target of the complaint.

Scheduled to open in early 2025, 1587 Prime is intended to occupy approximately 10,000 square feet within the Loews Kansas City Hotel. The project was announced as a flagship destination for the city, featuring multiple private dining rooms and a massive wine collection. However, the sneaker company’s filing seeks to halt the use of the current name before the grand opening occurs. The plaintiffs are requesting a permanent injunction against the defendants to prevent any further utilization of the contested trademarked elements in their promotional campaigns.

This Mahomes Kelce lawsuit highlights the complexities of athlete-led business expansions into the luxury dining market. While the players have successfully launched various individual endorsements, this joint venture represents their most significant shared investment to date. The shoe brand involved in the dispute has maintained its trademark registrations for several years, arguing that its brand identity is diluted by the restaurant’s high-profile marketing. Attorneys for the sneaker company have cited specific instances where the '1587' branding mirrors their established aesthetic and commercial markers.

Financial damages sought in the filing remain unspecified, though the plaintiff is asking for a recovery of profits derived from the alleged infringement. The legal team representing the Chiefs players and Noble 33 must now respond to the allegations in federal court. This case marks a rare instance where two of the most marketable figures in professional sports are simultaneously embroiled in a trademark battle over a single business entity. The outcome could potentially force a total rebranding of the steakhouse before it serves its first customer in the downtown Kansas City area.

As the 2024 NFL season progresses, the off-field legal pressure adds a layer of scrutiny to the athletes' business portfolios. The sneaker company emphasizes that its legal standing is based on the Lanham Act, which protects against unfair competition and trademark dilution. By naming the individual athletes, the lawsuit ensures that the high-profile nature of the defendants brings maximum attention to the intellectual property claims. The hospitality group has yet to release a formal statement regarding whether they will fight the injunction or opt for a settlement to keep the 1587 Prime name intact.