someone is trying to use the same name as my store how can i stop them?

[Jealous Rage]

Someone is trying to use the same name as my store I own the avatar name and have been in business for two plus years already, they sent me a note saying i need to stop using my own name. what can be done?

[Lindal Kidd]

You can ignore it.  Store names in SL are not trademarked, and there is no protection.  Or you can just send a note back saying, "Sorry, I was here first.  YOU choose another name."  Be aware that these things can develop into real pulling-your-hair-out battles, however.  One of my friends had a store with Name A, and was, um, economically and reputationally attacked by an interloper who decided to use the same name.  Rather than continue the fight indefinitely, he eventually decided to change the name of his store.

As far as getting protection because the store's name is your avatar's name ("Lindal's Creations")...that's not really any argument one way or the other either, because I can make an alt with any user name I wish.

If you have actually gone to the trouble and expense to trademark your SL business's name and logo, you could, if necessary, bring suit against the infringer in Real Life.

[Is Salas]

It's surprising and disappointing how many people do not check business names in any life before they proceed to use it. I I found this to be the case with my business name, if they were in a similar business to my own, I would approach them politely without accusation and let them know you've been operating with that business name since DATE HERE. Ask them politely if they would consider changing their store name. If they become defensive I'd simply bow out of the conversation and adjust what I can on my own end. This might be adding to the store LM description "the original Store A in SL since Jan. 2008." Place a sign saying similar at your stores location(s). Do the same on MP. You may also put disclaimers so that people who are dissatisfied with product from the other store are not compelled to come complaining to you.

I find remaining professional and polite is always the better path. I've also been pleasantly surprised by some who have responded in kind by being cooperative of my cordial request. Don't buy drama for a moment of anger, it's just not worth it.