Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes sued for trademark infringement
· Toronto Sun
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, along with their restaurant partners, were hit by a lawsuit alleging trademark infringement.
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The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and tight end opened the K.C. steakhouse, 1587 Prime, in September, with the name inspired by their jersey numbers — 15 for Mahomes; 87 for Kelce.
However, 1587 Sneakers is calling a flag on the play, claiming the use of the numbers infringes its usage of the identical number combination, according to the lawsuit filed on Feb. 17 in the Southern District of New York.
The magic number
The suit alleges that 1587 Sneakers, which celebrates the Asian American community, started selling its shoes on April 13, 2023, giving it first use of the number and markings.
However, the shoe company did not apply for the “1587” trademark until last October, and the application is still under review by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, ESPN reported.
According to the brand’s website , the sneaker company’s number marks “the year Filipino sailors first arrived in what is now the U.S.,” which they describe as “the earliest recorded presence of Asians in America.”
Meanwhile, Mahomes’ and Kelce’s company, along with business partner Noble 33, applied to trademark “1587 Prime” in December 2023, according to the outlet.
Cease-and-desist letter sent?
The 1587 Prime trademark is in the bar and restaurant category, while the sneaker company’s 1587 trademark application is in the clothing category.
But the 1587 Sneakers is also alleging apparel infringement because the NFLers’ steakhouse sells clothing as well as food.
The suit alleges that “scores of consumers” have contacted 1587 Sneakers, believing the company is affiliated with 1587 Prime, according to ESPN .
The sneaker company is asking the restaurant group to stop using the name, saying it causes confusion, and stop selling clothing.
It is also seeking to be awarded unspecified damages.
The lawsuit claims that 1587 Sneakers reached out with a cease-and-desist letter but were unable to “negotiate an amicable resolution of this matter” with 1587 Prime.
“From the onset, we have communicated a sincere belief that there is room for mutual respect and understanding,” 1587 Sneakers co-founder Adam King said in a statement shared on Instagram .
“That belief has not changed, and we continue to hope to resolve this matter amicably.”
Neither Mahomes nor Kelce has publicly commented on the suit.