MSMP 64: John Di Giacomo on Internet Law

What Does MSMP 64: John Di Giacomo on Internet Law Talk About?

In this episode of Mads Singers Management Podcast, John Di Giacomo, an internet law expert and founder of Revision Legal, discusses the legal challenges and opportunities in the digital business world. He covers topics such as the rise in business activity during COVID-19, the importance of trademarks, and how to protect against legal trolls targeting website ADA compliance. John also shares insights on working with Amazon, managing remote employees, and the true value of a business, emphasizing that experience is crucial for success.

While the Internet has created so many new opportunities for building business and creating revenues, the realities of the traditional business world have not disappeared.John Di Giacomo

Who Is Featured on MSMP 64: John Di Giacomo on Internet Law?

John Di Giacomo is an internet lawyer with over a decade of experience, running his own law firm called Revision Legal. He specializes in serving entrepreneurs who make money online, handling issues like trademark disputes, ADA compliance, and Amazon policies. John is known for his practical advice and war stories from the legal trenches, making complex topics accessible to business owners.

What Are the Key Takeaways From MSMP 64: John Di Giacomo on Internet Law?

• John has seen a rise in buying and selling of digital businesses during the COVID crisis.
• The true worth of a business is not just its revenue but also its legal protections like trademarks.
• Earnouts can be risky and should be structured carefully to avoid disputes.
• Working with Amazon presents unique legal challenges due to its strict policies and lack of transparency.
• Digital assets are difficult to protect and value, so proper legal documentation is essential.

It's not enough to have 'read all the books' or 'listened to all the podcasts.'John Di Giacomo

Is MSMP 64: John Di Giacomo on Internet Law Worth Listening To?

This episode is a must-listen for any online business owner or entrepreneur who wants to understand the legal landscape of the internet. John Di Giacomo provides clear, actionable advice on protecting your business from legal trolls, securing trademarks, and navigating Amazon's policies. His real-world examples and practical tips make this episode valuable for both new and experienced operators.

Who Should Listen to MSMP 64: John Di Giacomo on Internet Law?

• Online business owners
• E-commerce entrepreneurs
• Digital marketers
• Startup founders

What Are Listeners Saying About This Episode?

While the Internet has created so many new opportunities for building business and creating revenues, the realities of the traditional business world have not disappeared.  In fact, with legislation like FATCA and GDPR now in place, it’s more important than ever to have access to a legal mind who understands the digital world.

John Di Giacomo, today’s guest for Mads Singers Management Podcast, is precisely one of those legal minds.  John has an internet law firm called Revision Legal which specifically serves those people who make money on the internet.  He’s been in the “internet law” business for a decade now and has plenty of war stories to share.  

One of those stories was about legal trolls: people who find laws that you might be “violating” and then try to make you pay for those “violations.”  One such scam involves the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and website compliance with that act.  These trolls will test a site to see if the website is accessible to those with disabilities and if not, send a demand for compensation or even file a lawsuit.  John shared some tips on how to amend your website terms and conditions to avoid these trolls, but if you want to learn more, there’s plenty more ADA knowledge on his website.

He also noted that the COVID crisis has actually brought a fair amount of buying and selling in digital businesses and that he’s had a fair amount of work during this time.  But that’s also reminded him of things people fail to do when operating their businesses with a future sale in mind.  One of those things is locking down trademarks.  He shared a case in which a company with dozens of restaurants in its portfolio had to go through an expensive and time-consuming renaming process simply because someone else had duly filed a copyright on the name and ordered a cease-and-desist.

He also warns against inexperienced buyers thinking they can just waltz in and operate a business.  John notes, “it’s not enough to have ‘read all the books’ or ‘listened to all the podcasts.’” There is no substitute for experience.

John has also had a fair number of FBA clients, and as such, has had to deal a lot with Amazon on legal matters.  While some of my friends and clients were involved in FBA businesses, some of what John had to share Amazon’s policies and legal stances were really interesting.

John was our first lawyer ever on the podcast and he’s set a great standard for future lawyers to appear.  Enjoy!

Key Learning Points:

1. John shares what kind of activity he’s seen a rise in during the COVID crisis - 2:25

2. John discusses what the true worth of a business is - 6:00

3. John warns about earnouts - 7:45

4. John notes the challenges of working with Amazon - 11:47

5. John talks about dealing with remote employees - 16:53

6. John clarifies that digital assets can be difficult to protect (and value) - 20:12

7. John relates a trolling technique and how we can counteract it - 22:03

8. John gives us a strategy for developing business in the US - 26:53

9. John discusses the costs of getting a trademark - 31:00

Connect with John Di Giacomo:

1. Revision Legal

2. Facebook

3. Twitter

4. LinkedIn