Cooks trade, Mahomes, Kelce face lawsuit over "1587 Prime" trademark infringement

The Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are embroiled in a trademark infringement lawsuit concerning their restaurant, 1587 Prime.

Why it matters: This legal dispute highlights complex issues surrounding brand identity and consumer perception in today's marketplace. As prominent figures in the NFL, Mahomes and Kelce have leveraged their celebrity status to establish a brand that extends beyond football, but this lawsuit raises questions about intellectual property rights and market confusion.

• 1587 Sneakers claims its name is being infringed upon by the restaurant, which echoes the jersey numbers of Mahomes (15) and Kelce (87).
• The sneaker company argues that consumers have mistakenly believed there is an affiliation between the two businesses.

What’s new: The case has unfolded amid the broader context of business ventures for professional athletes, who often seek to diversify their income streams through entrepreneurship.

• The restaurant was opened last year with Mahomes and Kelce as co-owners alongside their partners from Noble 33.
• Meanwhile, 1587 Sneakers alleges it began selling its products on April 13, 2023, prior to Mahomes and Kelce's trademark application for "1587 Prime," filed in December 2023.

Yes, but: Legal experts suggest that the outcome may hinge on the distinction between the industries involved in the dispute.

• Josh Gerben, a trademark attorney, noted, “Trademarks can coexist in different industries,” indicating that the restaurant and sneaker company may not necessarily compete for the same customer base.
• The trademark applications differ in category: "1587 Prime" relates to bars and restaurants, while 1587 Sneakers focuses on clothing.

What to watch: The ongoing dialogue between the involved parties suggests a potential for resolution outside the courtroom.

• Adam King, co-founder of 1587 Sneakers, expressed hope for an amicable solution, emphasizing mutual respect.
• Both brands could benefit from clarifying their identities without further legal entanglements.

Our thought bubble: Given the high-profile nature of the plaintiffs, this case could serve as a critical test for how trademarks are interpreted in the increasingly blurred boundaries of lifestyle branding.

The bottom line: As negotiations continue, the outcome of this trademark dispute will likely influence not only Mahomes and Kelce's entrepreneurial endeavors but also set precedents for future collaborations involving athlete entrepreneurs and brand ownership.