Mahomes, Kelce Called Out for Downplaying Steakhouse Role in Trademark Lawsuit

A federal trademark lawsuit against Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce has escalated after 1587 Sneakers accused them of downplaying their involvement in their steakhouse, 1587 Prime. The sneaker company filed an opposition on August 4 to the players’ motion to dismiss, arguing they are the “moving forces” behind the restaurant named after their jersey numbers (15 and 87) and cannot recast themselves as mere promotional figures.

What the lawsuit claims

1587 Sneakers says Mahomes and Kelce are trying to distance themselves from the restaurant despite co-founding it. The company filed suit in New York, claiming the steakhouse name infringes on its 1587 trademark for sneakers. According to court records obtained by USA TODAY Sports, 1587 Sneakers argues the players were “the generative force from which the infringing mark derives its entire identity and market appeal.”

How Mahomes and Kelce are defending themselves

The quarterback and tight end filed a motion to dismiss on July 3, claiming they have no direct interest in the restaurant’s operating LLC and lack authority to control it. They also argued they have no ties to New York, where the suit was filed. However, the restaurant’s official website describes it as “co-founded by Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce in partnership with Noble 33,” contradicting their legal position.

Timeline of the trademark dispute

1587 Sneakers began selling products on April 13, 2023, but did not apply for the “1587” trademark until October 2025. Mahomes and Kelce filed their “1587 Prime” trademark application in December 2023 in the bar and restaurant category. The steakhouse opened on September 17, 2025, deliberately timed to align with Mahomes’ 30th birthday. The duo conducted a full press tour in late 2025 to promote the steakhouse, which 1587 Sneakers cited as evidence they cannot claim minimal involvement.

What happens next

The court has not yet ruled on the motion to dismiss. 1587 Sneakers’ trademark application remains under review by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The case hinges on whether the two businesses operate in different enough categories (clothing versus food service) to coexist with the same name, and whether Mahomes and Kelce can successfully argue they lack operational control over the restaurant despite their public association with it.

Final Thoughts

Mahomes and Kelce face an uphill battle claiming they are uninvolved with 1587 Prime when their names, jersey numbers, and promotional efforts are central to the brand. The court will decide whether trademark rights depend on operational control or on the identity and market appeal driving the name.

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