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Essentials Inside The Story

  • Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce catch a small win in the bigger infringement battle
  • The court can change Buchwald's ruling later
  • Trademark Attorney Josh Gerben believes the plaintiffs have some work cut out for them

Elsewhere (read: Missouri), the numbers 15 and 87 might be synonymous with royalty, greatness, and celebrity. But for this one particular brand based in Boston, Massachusetts, those same numbers have become a source of major discomfort and even ensuing legal drama. We’re talking about the ongoing lawsuit between 1587 Sneakers, INC. and Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and their business partner Noble 33’s 1587 Prime restaurant. Alleging trademark infringement, the sneaker company has left no stone unturned for what they claim is rightfully theirs…

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And that includes proposing an emergency request earlier this week to temporarily shut down the restaurant and apparel sales of items. The order sought to immediately block the defendants from advertising, selling, or promoting products using the “1587” or “1587 PRIME” marks. It also wanted an order requiring the defendants to cancel any orders tied to the branding or place-related funds in escrow while the case proceeds. However, noting down three clear reasons, U.S. District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald informed why the request could not be granted, per KMBC.

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  • The federal judge said that the complaint does not clearly establish that the New York court has personal jurisdiction over the defendants or that the case properly belongs in that district.
  • The judge also pointed to what she described as a “significant delay” by the plaintiff in seeking emergency relief after learning about the restaurant, which opened in Kansas City in September 2025.
  • The court also noted there was no indication the complaint or supporting filings had been served on the defendants.

It is also important to note that this ruling is only for the emergency request and not the lawsuit. But while this is a positive development for the Kansas City-based steakhouse, an uphill battle still remains.

The suit alleges that the usage of the numbers ‘1587’ has reportedly led to widespread confusion since the dining establishment sells merchandise featuring the set of numbers. To be more specific, “scores of customers” have reportedly contacted the sneaker brand believing it to be associated with 1587 Prime.

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“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 written statement. “That belief has not changed, and we continue to hope to resolve this matter amicably.”

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Mahomes and Kelce, on the other hand, have declined to comment on the matter. Currently, it is not known exactly what level of financial commitment the duo have in the establishment, with their involvement just being described as a “partnership” by Noble 33 executives.

“They’ve been to tastings. We bounce ideas off of them in terms of design and décor,” Noble 33 co-founder Mikey Tanha said. “They’ve been active.”

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Notably, Kelce and Mahomes’ presence also extends to the restaurant’s menu. With dishes named after the Chiefs quarterback’s nickname “Showtime” and Kelce’s nickname “Big Yeti”, both cocktails, 1587 Prime also paid an ode to the latter’s fiancée Taylor Swift with another cocktail named “The Alchemy” after a song on the singer-songwriter’s “The Tortured Poets Department”. An Andy Reid-inspired burger also exists named “The Big Red”.

That said, Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald said she could entertain future requests if the plaintiff could provide Mahomes and his company with filings. They must also resolve the jurisdiction issues. Meanwhile, trademark attorney Josh Gerben shed light on important aspects that could carry weight in the dispute.

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Mahomes and Kelce could escape without a scratch

Adam King launched 1587 Sneakers with Sam Hyun and Jose Antonio Vargas in June 2023. But did they reserve the right to the “1587” branding right away? No. The lawsuit reveals that the company started selling products under the trademark in April 2023. However, they didn’t seek a legal nod from the federal office until October last year, which is a month after the restaurant opened its doors for business. As of now, the application remains under review at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

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On the other end, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce’s restaurant applied for its trademark in December 2023, just a little under two years before the launch. Moreover, there’s another factor that could weaken the sneaker company’s case. Both businesses fall under different categories. The 1587 Prime trademark application covers restaurant and bar services. And the other one is under clothing and footwear. 

“I think it’s a tough case for the sneaker company,” Gerben said via ESPN. “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?”

The sneaker company, however, argued that the restaurant also sells branded apparel, which they believe has an overlap with their category. The plaintiff’s attorney, Ezra Salami, said that they could provide the supporting evidence if the dispute eventually reaches trial.

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They didn’t get the desired result this time, but the case will probably enter court again. It means trouble for Patrick Mahomes and Kelce’s business is far from over. But a win is still a win.

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Muskan Lodhi

561 Articles

Muskan Lodhi is an NFL Journalist at EssentiallySports, specializing in contract structures, trade developments, and salary cap strategy across the league. She brings hands-on financial reporting experience to the football desk, offering analytical coverage that connects the business side of the sport with on-field outcomes. Known for her sharp breakdowns of roster dynamics, Muskan delivers clear, insightful analysis of how front offices manage talent and cap space. A steadfast defender of the Dallas Cowboys’ long-term approach, she believes the franchise’s strategy around Micah Parsons and cap flexibility can build a roster ready to dominate the 2026 season.

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Bhwya Sriya

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