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Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs just got some bad news, as the offseason continues.
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs are in their offseason following a difficult 2025-26 season, and now, they’ve been slapped with some bad news.
Just as these players were starting to enjoy their offseason, and amid Mahomes rehabbing from his ACL and LCL injuries, both Mahomes and Kelce have been hit with some concerning news. It’s not the kind of thing they want to hear about on a Friday afternoon, that’s for certain.
But, the good news is that being as high-profile as these players are, they’re likely used to this sort of thing. So, let’s get into what’s going on with Mahomes and Kelce, and it has to do with the law.
Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs Receive Upsetting News
According to a report from ESPN out on Friday, February 20, a sneaker company is suing both Mahomes and Kelce, as well as their restaurant partners, alleging trademark infringement. The suit comes from the two using the numbers specific to 1587 Prime, the name of their restaurant in Kansas City, court records state.
Mahomes, Kelce and business partner Noble 33 open their steakhouse last year, and the name comes from putting together Mahomes and Kelce’s jersey numbers. In the suit, the sneaker company 1587 Sneakers states that the restaurant’s name infringes its usage of the same number combination.
In the report, Michael Rothstein states, “The legal question revolves around the unregistered rights that the sneaker company claimed before it filed its trademark applications last year, said trademark attorney Josh Gerben of Gerben IP, who doesn’t represent either party.”
Rothstein adds that “the suit alleges that the 1587 Sneakers brand started selling its shoes April 13, 2023, and thus has first use of the number and markings.”
The shoe company didn’t apply for the “1587” trademark until October 2025, according to ESPN, and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is still reviewing the application. Also, Mahomes and Kelce applied for the “1587 Prime” trademark in December 2023.
Who Will Win This Case? An Expert Weighs In
The sneaker company is asking for Mahomes and Kelce’s restaurant group to not use that name anymore, because they claim it causes confusion. So, will this lawsuit be successful? According to trademark attorney Josh Gerben of Gerben IP, who isn’t involved in the case, it’s not likely.
“I think it’s a tough case for the sneaker company,” Gerben told EPSN. “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?”
1587 Sneakers co-founder Adam King said in a written statement to ESPN, “From the onset, we have communicated a sincere belief that there is room for mutual respect and understanding. That belief has not changed, and we continue to hope to resolve this matter amicably.”
So, now, they wait. But, considering how high-profile both Mahomes and Kelce are, this likely is one of many lawsuits that have been tossed their way over the years.
Anne Erickson is an award-winning reporter for Heavy Sports covering the NFL, NBA and college football. Anne Erickson has years of experience covering the NFL and additional sports, and her work has been published via ESPN, Fox Sports and more. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in sports, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Erickson also hosts several podcasts and is a Detroit-based radio host. More about Anne Erickson
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