Leo Rey faces legal action to freeze use of stage name

Chilean cumbia singer Leo Rey, born Cecil Leonardo Leiva Reyes, is facing a legal challenge that could prevent him from using his stage name. A former sound technician, Luis Meza Santa Cruz, has filed a request with the San Felipe Labor Collection Court to freeze and limit the commercial exploitation of the “Leo Rey” trademark.

The legal dispute originates from a 2014 lawsuit involving allegations of unjustified dismissal and unpaid wages exceeding five million pesos. To ensure debt recovery, the plaintiff is seeking a precautionary measure to prohibit the artist from disposing of, licensing, or economically exploiting the brand while the collection process remains active.

If granted by the court, the injunction would prevent the singer from using his artistic name in festivals, concerts, and new commercial contracts. Legal experts describe the move as a creative strategy to secure payment by targeting a high-value intangible asset. Currently, no prohibition is in effect as the court must still review the provisional request.