Hi,

I have selected a domain name which is similar to a very popular website (like AOL, Yahoo) and its purpose is also almost similar.

No, my intention is not to be a copycat but my project has its own unique features not given by the other. (or anyone else in similar business)

The reason for chosing my domain name is it is short (five characters) and sounds very nice. Part of the name is generic and the other part is relevant to its main application.(which is its unique feature)

My worry is will I attract any legal action from the other domain which resembles mine. And how do I protect my domain.???

I see no reason for legal action because I am not copying any designs or content from any other site. But still it worries me because the other similar sounding domain is too big for me to fight.

then the answer is that it will probably attract the attention of the other site if you are successful. At that point, whether or not they have a strong case, are you prepared to fight the battle that could ensue? The very nature of your question indicates that you have a believe that it may well feed off their business.

Can't really express much more of an opinion without knowing the names involved.

Well if they decide to fight it you loose. Simply because they have more money for lawyers. Welcome to the world where justice is a myth :cartman:

And to be fair... if you intend to use the very identical name for a website that has almost an identical purpose as the original they have a good case.

If it was about something totally different then you *might* have had a chance. IF you had cash to fight it.

My advice: don't bother and find another name.

similar in the sense it has auctions, classifieds and ecommerce.....which mine will also have but with some unique difference

the similarity is something like iSELL.COM and eSELL.COM (both contain generic word SELL and has similar activity)

You can open up a fund now, where we send contributions for your legal expenses :D

I totaly agree with the Pilgrim, else go with TC on the legal expenses :)

It is MUCH easier to get another domain - especialy since you already seem to have plans for a large scale site. It's really not worth it to start with potential problems.