Sony/ATV Music Publishing wants Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega to stop playing the song "Stand By Me" as part of his re-election campaign.
Sony/ATV spokesman Jimmy Asci says the company sent a letter to Ortega's campaign because the song was being used for political purposes in the Central American nation.
Wednesday's edition of the Nicaraguan newspaper La Prensa carries a photocopy of a July 22 letter from Sony/ATV executive Sean Melia. It says to drop the song or the company may take legal action.
Ortega's campaign denies getting the letter.
The music of the song originally performed by Ben E. King plays in a campaign video for the Nov. 6 election, accompanied by Spanish lyrics.