Just as the Kansas City Chiefs' dynasty prepares for another title defense, two of its brightest stars are dealing with an unexpected legal challenge off the field. Super Bowl champions Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce have been named in a trademark infringement lawsuit centered on the name of their popular Kansas City steakhouse.
A Clash Over Numbers
The dispute involves the restaurant's name, 1587 Prime, which combines the jersey numbers of Mahomes (15) and Kelce (87). The plaintiffs, a company called 1587 Sneakers, allege the steakhouse's name infringes on their trademark and is causing harm to their business. According to court documents, the sneaker company began selling its products in April 2023, well before the steakhouse opened its doors in September 2025.
The lawsuit was filed in February in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. 1587 Sneakers claims its name holds historical significance, representing the year 1587 to mark the arrival of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in America. The company is seeking to force the restaurant to stop using the name and is asking for punitive damages.
Legal Hurdles for the Plaintiff
However, legal experts suggest this may be an uphill battle for the sneaker company. A key complication is the timing of the trademark applications. While 1587 Sneakers didn't apply for its "1587" trademark until October 2025—after the steakhouse had opened—the application for "1587 Prime" in the bar and restaurant category was filed back in December 2023. Furthermore, the sneaker company's pending trademark is specifically for clothing, a different industry category than restaurants.
Trademark attorney Josh Gerben of Gerben IP, who is not involved in the case, provided analysis to ESPN. "I think it's a tough case for the sneaker company," Gerben stated. He explained a fundamental principle of trademark law: "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?"
This legal principle often protects businesses operating in unrelated sectors from trademark conflicts. The core question for the court will be whether the average consumer is likely to mistakenly believe that 1587 Sneakers and 1587 Prime steakhouse are connected or come from the same source.
Offseason Distraction for Champions
The lawsuit arrives during a critical offseason for the Chiefs. The team is building its roster for the 2026 campaign, and Kelce himself is contemplating his football future. This legal matter adds a layer of complexity to what are already busy lives for the athletes, who have numerous business ventures and endorsement deals alongside their NFL careers.
Their steakhouse, 1587 Prime, quickly became a hotspot in Kansas City following its opening, capitalizing on the massive popularity of its celebrity owners. The potential for a name change or a prolonged legal fight presents a significant business headache, even if the legal odds may be in their favor.
For now, Mahomes and Kelce will have to navigate this challenge while maintaining their focus on football. The case highlights the intricate legal landscape superstar athletes must traverse as they expand their brand empires beyond the stadium. As one trademark attorney put it, the burden will be on 1587 Sneakers to prove a likelihood of confusion exists—a task that legal observers deem difficult given the distinct nature of the two businesses.
