Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, known for their achievements on the football field, are now involved in a legal dispute connected to their Kansas City steakhouse. On February 17, sneaker company 1587 Sneakers filed a lawsuit against the Chiefs players in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleging trademark infringement involving the steakhouse’s 1587 Prime name.
The conflict quickly caught the attention of fans, who voiced strong opinions on social media platform X regarding the legitimacy of the sneaker company’s claim over the steakhouse’s brand.
Fan Reactions Highlight Skepticism Surrounding Lawsuit Motives
Responses from fans showed widespread doubt over 1587 Sneakers’ intentions, with many viewing the lawsuit as improper or opportunistic. One fan wrote,
“The sneaker company filed for their trademark almost 2 years AFTER the restaurant. This is nothing but an attempt at free publicity.”
Another described the case as,
“The most ridiculous waste of money lawsuit that’s ever been filed.”
Others expressed disbelief that the brands could be confused by consumers, pointing out the distinction between a sneaker company and a restaurant:
“Confuse a sneaker company from a restaurant? lol! I think people know the difference,”
said a fan. Another added,
“And I never heard of 1587 sneakers till today,”
while some suggested the company might be “Just looking for a payday!”
One comment speculated on potential business outcomes, stating,
“I hope 1587 sneakers has enough money to prevent a hostile takeover because they could be bought out very easily by Mahomes and Kelce.”
Background on Trademark and Brand Origins
The steakhouse, opened in September, derives its name from the combination of Mahomes’ No. 15 and Kelce’s No. 87 jerseys. Meanwhile, 1587 Sneakers draws its name from the year Asian-Americans first arrived on what became U.S. soil. Though the sneaker brand began selling footwear in April 2023, it only applied for its trademark about 18 months later, in June 2024. By comparison, the steakhouse submitted its trademark application for 1587 Prime in December 2023. Furthermore, existing trademarks belong to separate categories: the restaurant is classified under food and beverage services, while the sneaker company is filed under clothing and footwear.
Legal Expert Weighs in on Challenges Facing Sneaker Company
Trademark attorney Josh Gerben, who is unaffiliated with either party, assessed the case publicly. He remarked,
“I think it’s a tough case for the sneaker company,”
emphasizing that trademarks can coexist in different business sectors without infringing on each other. Adam King, co-founder of 1587 Sneakers, stated that the company is still open to finding an amicable solution to the dispute.
At the time of reporting, neither Travis Kelce’s publicist nor representatives for Patrick Mahomes have released official comments regarding the lawsuit.
Potential Impact and Ongoing Developments
This legal challenge represents an unusual clash between sports stars expanding their brands and existing companies defending their intellectual property. For Mahomes and Kelce, the lawsuit could become a distraction as they maintain their focus on football and business ventures. Fans remain engaged, reflecting broader debates about trademark law and fair use in different industries.
The final resolution could set a precedent for how similarly named brands are treated across sectors like hospitality and apparel, with implications for future trademark disputes.
https://twitter.com/kerrrr22/status/2025875679313588666
1587 Sneakers has filed a lawsuit against the Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce-owned, 1587 Prime, alleging trademark infringement on the 1587 name.
In a lawsuit filed, the company asserts that its 1587 Prime restaurant name infringes upon its exclusive use of the identical… pic.twitter.com/vJYFO948Ut
— BBQ Chiefs (@BBQChiefs) February 22, 2026
https://twitter.com/chiefschicktx/status/2025948417755660611
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