Overview
- The defendants, Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, have moved to dismiss a New York federal suit by 1587 Sneakers arguing they hold no direct interest in or control of 1587 Steakhouse.
- 1587 Sneakers responded in court filings Friday by citing the steakhouse website, public press appearances and merchandise to say the players cannot be treated as mere promotional figures.
- The sneaker company claims it began using the '1587' mark in April 2023 and says the restaurant’s name and goods risk confusing customers with its brand tied to Asian American and Filipino heritage.
- Before suing, 1587 Sneakers sent a cease-and-desist over sales of steakhouse-branded merchandise; the parties are now contesting venue and ownership facts that will shape possible injunctive relief or damages.
- If the court accepts the plaintiff’s evidence of celebrity control, the case could set a clear example of how public promotion and co-branding affect personal liability in trademark disputes and future use of shared marks.