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J2 Global
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J2 Global
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J2 Global, Inc. was an American technology holding company based in Los Angeles, California. The company provided Internet services through two divisions: Business Cloud Services and Digital Media.[3]

Key Information

History

[edit]

J2 Global was founded in December 1995 as JFax.com by Jaye Muller and Jack Rieley.[4] The company changed its registered name to J2 Global Communications, Inc. in August 2000,[5] and again to J2 Global on December 7, 2011, dropping "Communications" from its official name to reflect "…expansion from phone-number-centric services…into complementary lines of non-phone-number-centric services."[6]

The founders of JFAX, Jaye Muller (l) and Jack Rieley (r) with Muller's brother Kai in the middle in their first office on Lafayette Street in New York in 1996

On November 12, 2012, J2 Global launched its digital media division with the acquisition of digital publisher Ziff Davis for $167 million in cash.[7] On February 4, 2013, J2 Global acquired IGN Entertainment from News Corporation.[8] Terms of the IGN acquisition were not publicized.

On March 18, 2013, the company announced it had acquired MetroFax, a Bellevue, Washington, provider of Internet faxing services.[9] On April 17, 2013, the company acquired Backup Connect BV, a Dutch provider of online backup services.[10] On 19 November 2013, its media division Ziff Davis announced it acquired electronics aggregating website TechBargain.com.

In February 2014, J2 Global announced the acquisition of several companies: City Numbers, a UK-based worldwide provider of inbound toll-free numbers in over 80 countries;[11] Livedrive, a UK-based provider of online backup;[12] and Australian companies OzeFax and Faxmate.[13] On 3 April[14] 2014 J2 Global announced that it acquired Business Critical Software (also known as iCritical), a UK-based email security and management company.[15] In July 2019, J2 Global acquired the SaferVPN brand, bringing its total number of consumer VPN services to five.[16]

In April 2021, J2 Global announced its intent to spin off part of its cloud services business as a new publicly traded company known as Consensus, with the remainder of the company (consisting primarily of its media assets) being retained under the J2 Global name.[17] It was later announced that J2 Global would be renamed Ziff Davis Inc. upon its completion of the spin-off: the transaction was approved by J2 Global's board in September 2021.[18]

Brands and subsidiaries

[edit]

The company operates two divisions; the "Business Cloud Services" division includes firms such as eFax, Onebox, eVoice, VIPRE, FuseMail, Campaigner, KeepItSafe, VaultLogix, Callstream, Yotta280, Mailout Interactive, GDV, BackUp Solutions, SugarSync, Nuvotera, UnityFax, Firstway Digital, Excel Micro, Web24 Group, MXSweep, City Numbers, IPVanish, Livedrive, Moz, MetroFax, FoneBox, TrustFax, RapidFax, Send2Fax, SFax, SRFax, and Fax.com. The company's digital media division, Ziff Davis, includes brands such as Mashable, PCMag, IGN and Everyday Health.

MyFax

[edit]

MyFax is an Internet business communication tool launched by the Ottawa-based software company Protus IP Solutions in 2009.[19]

An alternative to fax machines, it enables users to send and receive faxes from any location through the internet,[20] as well as directly from Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, and Microsoft Windows-based applications including Google Docs, OpenOffice.org, and Intuit QuickBooks.[21] A program was released that allows for iPhone and BlackBerry applications to be fully compatible with smartphones.[22]

MyFax has grown to over 400,000 subscribers,[23] with approximately 20,000 new customers subscribing to the service each month.[19] Before its acquisition by J2 Global, MyFax had received a few favorable reviews[24] including an Internet Telephony magazine product of the year for 2009.[25]

On December 6, 2010, MyFax announced that it had been acquired by J2 Global Communications, Inc., owners of eFax,[26] which subsequently imposed restrictive terms and conditions on the client's right to local number portability. Among the restrictions is a $40 US charge per number if J2 permits the number to be ported out; the company imposes many arbitrary restrictions on portability and has attempted to claim the numbers as its own property, in some cases imposing inflated penalties and unilaterally taking numbers back after they've been ported to another provider by clients.[27]

StrongVPN

[edit]

StrongVPN is a commercial VPN service owned by J2 Global. It was founded in 2005,[28] and is one of the oldest VPN services.[29] It supports various protocols, including IPsec, OpenVPN and WireGuard.[30] It was acquired by J2 Global in 2019 from its former owner StackPath.[31]

ZDNet described StrongVPN as "a clear and easy-to-use VPN ideal for coffee shop use".[30] Meanwhile, Tom's Hardware considered it strong and simple but noted the lack of information on its no-log policy.[32] PC World considered it "a good VPN for most people".[33]

StrongVPN has not directly answered questions about logging, but they are able to match an IP address to a customer.[34]

Awards

[edit]

Litigation

[edit]

J2 Global has filed patent litigation cases against several companies, including CallWave,[37] Comodo, EasyLink Services International Corporation,[38] OpenText, Packetel, Protus, Venali and Zayo Group. Some of the companies filed counterclaims, some of which alleged antitrust violations of Section 2 of the Sherman Act and California's Business and Professions Code §§ 16720 and 17200.[39]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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J2 Global

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from Grokipedia
J2 Global, Inc. was an American holding company based in , , founded in December 1995 by Jaye Muller and John F. Rieley as JFAX.COM to provide services. The company initially specialized in cloud-based communication solutions, such as online faxing, virtual phone systems, and , before expanding into through strategic acquisitions. In 2021, following a corporate , J2 Global spun off its cloud services business as Consensus Cloud Solutions and rebranded as , Inc., which now operates as a vertically integrated and company focused on , gaming, and sectors. During its tenure as J2 Global, the company grew through a series of acquisitions, including digital media properties like , Entertainment, and , diversifying its portfolio beyond core communication tools to include premium content and advertising services. Its Business Cloud Services division offered products such as eFax for secure document transmission and eVoice for hosted VoIP , serving millions of business users worldwide. By , the firm had restructured its identity from j2 Global Communications, Inc. to reflect its evolution into a broader provider of -based solutions and hosted services. J2 Global emphasized operational efficiency and value-added services, achieving significant revenue growth in both communications and media segments prior to the 2021 spin-off. The rebranding to marked a strategic pivot, with the new entity retaining ownership of influential brands such as , Entertainment, and , while focusing on subscription-based content, performance marketing, and in niche verticals like and . This transition allowed to trade independently on under the ticker ZD, with enhanced capital for digital innovation and acquisitions. J2 Global's legacy endures through its foundational role in pioneering internet-based business communications and shaping the modern landscape.

History

Founding and early development

J2 Global was founded in December 1995 by Jaye Muller and as JFAX Communications, Inc., with an initial focus on developing internet-based fax-to-email services that would allow users to receive faxes directly in their email inboxes. The founders aimed to capitalize on the emerging infrastructure to simplify traditional faxing, addressing the limitations of physical fax machines by enabling digital delivery without dedicated hardware. The JFax service launched in , marking an early innovation in unified messaging by integrating fax reception with , where users could assign a dedicated fax number and receive incoming faxes as attachments or text conversions via . This subscription-based model charged users monthly fees for the virtual fax numbers and storage, quickly attracting attention for its convenience in a pre-smartphone era. Early operations were based in New York, but the company relocated to in the late 1990s after securing seed funding from local investors who encouraged the move to leverage West Coast tech resources. Amid rapid initial growth, J2 Global navigated significant challenges during the dot-com bubble's peak and subsequent burst around 2000, including volatile market conditions that pressured many internet startups. In response to its stock price falling below $1 per share, the company executed a in 2001 to comply with listing requirements. Reflecting its broadening scope beyond core faxing to include additional communications tools, the company changed its name to J2 Global Communications, Inc., in July 2000. That same year, it completed its in July 1999 on under the ticker JCOM, raising approximately $73.9 million, with early revenues of $7.6 million in 1999 derived primarily from subscriptions.

Expansion through acquisitions

J2 Global pursued aggressive growth through starting in the early , initially focusing on expanding its core offerings in , voice, and services. In , the company acquired eVoice, a virtual phone system provider, which enhanced its portfolio by integrating , , and auto-attendant features into its existing eFax service. Similarly, in 2010, J2 Global purchased Protus IP Solutions for approximately CDN$213 million, gaining the MyFax online service and Campaigner platform, which broadened its customer base in small and medium-sized businesses. These deals solidified J2 Global's position in cloud-based productivity tools, leveraging synergies to cross-sell services like online faxing and virtual . A pivotal shift occurred in 2012 when J2 Global entered the digital media sector by acquiring Ziff Davis, Inc., for $167 million in cash, marking its first major foray beyond communications into publishing and advertising. This acquisition brought high-profile technology and entertainment properties, including PCMag.com and IGN, enabling J2 Global to diversify revenue streams and launch a dedicated digital media division. Building on this, in February 2013, Ziff Davis—a J2 Global subsidiary—acquired IGN Entertainment from News Corporation for an undisclosed sum estimated at around $50 million, significantly expanding the company's gaming and entertainment assets with sites like IGN.com and GameSpy. These media-focused buys transformed J2 Global's business model, creating a two-segment structure: cloud services encompassing fax, voice, email, and later security offerings, alongside digital media focused on content publishing and targeted advertising. Subsequent acquisitions further diversified both segments through the . In cloud services, J2 Global acquired VIPRE Security in 2018 to bolster its cybersecurity capabilities with antivirus and endpoint solutions. In 2019, it purchased , StrongVPN, and Encrypt.me from , enhancing its VPN and privacy services portfolio to address growing demand for secure remote access. These strategic moves drove substantial financial growth, with annual rising from $255.4 million in 2010 to $1.48 billion in 2020, primarily through acquisition-driven synergies that expanded market reach and integrated complementary technologies.

2021 restructuring and rebranding

In April 2021, J2 Global announced plans to separate its cloud services business into an independent publicly traded company named Consensus Cloud Solutions, Inc., with the spin-off intended to distribute at least 80.1% of Consensus shares to J2 Global shareholders in a tax-free transaction. The separation aimed to unlock by isolating the mature cloud communications operations from the higher-growth segment, allowing each to pursue focused strategies and capital allocation. J2 Global planned to retain up to a 19.9% stake in Consensus initially, with intentions to divest it over time in a tax-efficient manner. The spin-off was completed on October 7, 2021, through a distribution of Consensus shares to J2 Global stockholders, marking the formal division of the company. In September 2021, J2 Global's board approved the renaming of the remaining entity to , Inc., effective post-separation, with its ticker changing from JCOM to ZD. Consensus Cloud Solutions focused on cloud-based communications, including its flagship eFax service for digital faxing and related interoperability platforms, while retained the digital media portfolio, encompassing brands like , , and . Post-separation, reported annual revenue of $1.39 billion in 2022, reflecting its emphasis on media and related services, while Consensus achieved $362 million in revenue for the same year, driven by its and offerings. As of November 2025, both companies continue to operate independently, with maintaining a of approximately $1.2 billion and Consensus around $420 million.

Business operations

Cloud communications segment

The cloud communications segment of J2 Global encompassed a suite of cloud-based services designed primarily for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), focusing on streamlined digital communication and security solutions prior to the 2021 spin-off to Consensus Cloud Solutions. This segment operated through proprietary platforms that facilitated the transition from traditional telephony and faxing to internet-integrated alternatives, enabling users to manage communications via email and web interfaces. Core offerings included faxing services such as eFax and MyFax, which allowed users to send and receive faxes directly through without physical hardware; VoIP via eVoice and Onebox, providing virtual phone numbers and unified messaging; through FuseMail, featuring spam filtering, protection, , and archiving; and VPN services like StrongVPN and for secure remote access. These services emphasized ease of use for remote and mobile workforces, with features like mobile apps and integrations to support business workflows. The technological foundation relied on J2 Global's proprietary infrastructure for fax-to-email conversion, where incoming faxes are digitized and routed to inboxes in PDF format, and virtual phone systems that assign local or toll-free numbers across multiple countries for inbound/outbound calling and transcription. Cloud storage integration enabled seamless access and archiving, with supported by a global network of multiple points of presence (POPs) and data centers ensuring and compliance with standards like HIPAA and SOC 2. Emphasis was placed on interoperability, such as direct plugins for , allowing faxes and voicemails to appear as attachments for simplified management. Revenue was generated primarily through a subscription-based model, with monthly or annual fees for base access to services like eFax and eVoice, supplemented by usage-based charges for high-volume sending and premium add-ons such as advanced or additional storage. This segment accounted for approximately 45% of J2 Global's pre-2021, reaching $678.5 million annually in 2020, driven by recurring subscriptions from a diverse base including sole proprietors and enterprises. In the market, J2 Global held a leading position in SMB cloud communications, contributing to the company's over 4.6 million subscribers globally by 2020 and capturing significant share in online fax and virtual telephony through its emphasis on affordability and integration. The services' catered to growing businesses, with tools for multi-user accounts and connectivity to CRM systems, positioning the segment as a go-to for cost-effective alternatives to legacy hardware. Pre-spin-off innovations included the 2018 acquisition of VIPRE Security, which expanded the segment into endpoint cybersecurity with cloud-managed antivirus and threat detection, integrating these protections with existing email and VPN offerings to provide comprehensive defense against and for SMBs.

Digital media segment

J2 Global's digital media segment operated a portfolio of prominent online properties centered on , gaming, , and related content areas. This included , which provided in-depth technology reviews and analysis; , focusing on lifestyle and tech news; , a leading source for gaming news and entertainment; and , known for digital game distribution and charitable bundles. Additional properties such as for men's content and Offers.com for deal aggregation expanded the segment's reach into and targeted . The segment's revolved around digital publishing of premium, engaging material tailored to consumer interests, with an emphasis on (SEO) to enhance discoverability, for storytelling, and to integrate promotional elements seamlessly. This approach drove substantial audience engagement, generating approximately 7.5 billion visits and 29.3 billion page views across properties in alone. By leveraging exclusive reviews, news, and tools in , gaming, and sectors, the segment cultivated a loyal user base exceeding 100 million monthly unique visitors in the late . Monetization strategies primarily involved display and , sponsored content partnerships, affiliate commissions from referrals, and licensing of data or technology assets, supplemented by occasional events tied to brand activations. These efforts contributed significantly to J2 Global's overall performance, with the digital media segment accounting for $710.2 million in in —roughly 52% of the company's total $1.372 billion—demonstrating its scale prior to the 2021 rebranding of this division as . The audience demographics skewed toward urban professionals aged 18-44, particularly those with interests in , gaming, and pop culture, including IT decision-makers, gamers, and lifestyle enthusiasts seeking practical tools and . Growth in this segment accelerated following the 2012 acquisition of , which established J2 Global's foothold in ; subsequent deals, such as the 2013 purchase of that effectively doubled the business's scale and the 2016 acquisition of , further boosted traffic through expanded content ecosystems and audience overlap within a few years.

Brands and services

Cloud-based services

J2 Global's cloud-based services encompassed a suite of productivity and security tools designed for businesses and individuals, primarily delivered through its Cloud Services segment prior to the 2021 corporate restructuring. These offerings included faxing, unified communications, virtual private networks (VPNs), and endpoint security solutions, emphasizing scalability, remote accessibility, and integration with digital workflows. By leveraging cloud infrastructure, the services enabled users to manage communications and data protection without traditional hardware dependencies, serving millions of subscribers globally. The eFax and MyFax platforms represented J2 Global's foundational cloud fax solutions, converting traditional transmissions into digital email deliveries for seamless access. Launched in the mid-1990s as JFax (later rebranded eFax), the service pioneered fax-to-email technology, allowing users to send and receive faxes via the without physical machines. MyFax, acquired by J2 Global in from Protus IP Solutions, complemented eFax by offering similar functionality with a focus on affordability for small businesses. Together, these services supported faxing in over 240 countries and territories, accommodating diverse international needs such as compliance with regional formatting standards. By 2021, eFax alone served more than 11 million subscribers, handling millions of daily transmissions with features like mobile applications for and Android, searchable PDF archives, and integrations for embedding fax capabilities into . eVoice and Onebox provided platforms tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises, streamlining voice and messaging operations in a environment. eVoice, introduced in the early and enhanced through iterative updates, offered virtual toll-free or local phone numbers, voicemail-to-email transcription, and intelligent to multiple devices, enabling remote teams to maintain professional presence without on-site infrastructure. Onebox, integrated with eVoice following its acquisition in the late , expanded these capabilities with additional tools like online and hosting under a single , further simplifying multi-channel customer interactions. Targeted at small businesses seeking cost-effective , these platforms supported features such as auto-attendants, custom greetings, and mobile apps for on-the-go , fostering for distributed workforces. In the realm of VPN and security services, J2 Global expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions to address growing demands for online and . StrongVPN, acquired in April 2019 as part of a bundle from , catered to users prioritizing secure browsing with its no-logs policy and access to servers in over 30 countries, emphasizing high-speed connections without . Complementing this, IPVanish—also acquired in the same 2019 transaction—differentiated itself by permitting unlimited simultaneous device connections, appealing to households and teams with diverse hardware ecosystems, while upholding strict standards through audited no-log practices and robust protocols. These VPNs focused on user , geo-unblocking for streaming, and against , integrating seamlessly with J2's broader ecosystem. VIPRE, acquired in February 2018 from ThreatTrack Security, bolstered J2 Global's offerings with comprehensive antivirus and anti-ransomware defenses deployed across and on-premise environments. The platform protected over 20 million devices worldwide, utilizing behavioral and to detect zero-day threats, alongside security modules that scanned for and attachments. Designed for both consumer and use, VIPRE emphasized lightweight performance to minimize system impact, with features like scheduled scans, real-time alerts, and centralized consoles for IT administrators. Following these acquisitions, J2 Global pursued post-integration strategies under the unified J2 Cloud Services branding, facilitating opportunities across its portfolio—for instance, bundling VIPRE security with eVoice communications to enhance endpoint protection for users. This approach optimized and expanded service adoption, contributing to the segment's growth until the 2021 spin-off, which separated the cloud communications assets (including eFax, MyFax, eVoice, and Onebox) into Consensus Cloud Solutions, while VPN and security services like StrongVPN, , Encrypt.me, and VIPRE remained with the rebranded .

Media and publishing brands

J2 Global's media and portfolio, prior to its 2021 restructuring, encompassed several prominent digital properties focused on , gaming, , and lifestyle content. These brands operated with , emphasizing high-quality, audience-driven and reviews to engage global users. , founded in 1982 as a leading , was acquired by J2 Global's subsidiary in 2012 for $167 million. The publication is renowned for its rigorous, lab-tested product evaluations across hardware, software, and consumer tech, serving tech enthusiasts and professionals with in-depth analyses and buying guides. By the late , attracted over 10 million monthly unique visitors, contributing significantly to J2 Global's presence. IGN Entertainment, a major gaming and entertainment network, was acquired by Ziff Davis in 2013 from News Corp. for an undisclosed sum estimated below $100 million. IGN operates a network of websites, podcasts, and video content covering video games, movies, TV, and pop culture, with its YouTube channel amassing over 20 million subscribers by 2020 for trailers, reviews, and live streams. The brand also hosted events like IGN Live, an annual convention featuring game demos, panels, and announcements to foster community engagement among gamers worldwide. Mashable, a social media and tech news outlet emphasizing viral, shareable content on digital culture, technology, and entertainment, was acquired by Ziff Davis in 2017 for approximately $50 million. Founded in 2005, it targeted millennial and Gen Z audiences with timely articles, listicles, and multimedia stories, building a following of over 8 million across social platforms by the late 2010s. This acquisition bolstered J2 Global's reach into social-first storytelling and emerging trends. Other notable properties included , acquired in 2017 through for an undisclosed amount, which specialized in pay-what-you-want digital bundles of games, books, and software to support indie creators and charities. , providing consumer health information and wellness resources, was fully acquired by in 2016 for about $465 million, integrating medical news, tools, and condition-specific content to aid . These brands enabled synergies through , shared inventory, and integrated content distribution, reaches more than 240 million people per month across its brands as of December 31, 2020 via websites, , and email newsletters. This network amplified audience impact while maintaining distinct editorial focuses, driving engagement in the competitive landscape.

Patent litigation

J2 Global developed an early portfolio centered on fax-to- in the , consisting of nine core U.S. patents covering systems for receiving faxes and voicemails via email, such as U.S. Patent Nos. 5,675,507, 5,870,549, 6,208,638, and 6,350,066. These patents, invented by figures including Jaye Muller and others, formed the basis for multiple infringement lawsuits beginning in the early 2000s, targeting competitors in services. A notable case was J2 Global's 2009 against EasyLink Services International (later acquired by Open Text), alleging infringement of delivery including the '638 and '066 for unified messaging systems. The litigation involved counterclaims and a 2011 Markman hearing where J2 prevailed on key claim constructions, but it ultimately resulted in a settlement with dismissal of all claims in 2013. J2 also defended against challenges in related suits, such as those from Open Text, asserting non-infringement of overlapping communications technologies. J2 Global pursued an aggressive strategy, filing over 20 infringement suits since 2004, often in with affiliates like Advanced Messaging Technologies, Inc., focusing on fax-to-email and VoIP innovations. This approach generated licensing revenue through settlements and agreements, with licensing contributing $5.9 million to Cloud Services in 2015, down from $6.7 million in 2014 and $19.0 million in 2013. Key outcomes included a 2016 default judgment of approximately $17 million against Fax87.com (doing business as .com) for willful infringement of multiple fax-related patents, including awards for and treble willful infringement penalties. However, J2 faced criticisms for its enforcement tactics, with a 2020 report labeling aspects of its business model, including patent assertions, as opaque and troll-like in the communications sector. Following the 2021 restructuring, J2 Global transferred its assets, including the core patent portfolio on fax-to-email and related technologies, to Consensus Cloud Solutions, Inc., which has continued enforcement efforts in the cloud services space. Consensus, as the spun-off entity, maintains ownership of these patents through subsidiaries like J2 Cloud Services, LLC, supporting ongoing licensing and litigation in digital communications.

Consumer and securities disputes

J2 Global has faced several consumer lawsuits alleging unfair billing practices. In 2016, the company settled a lawsuit claiming it charged excessive late fees to customers of its eVoice, Onebox, and Phone People voice services. The settlement covered an estimated 170,824 eligible U.S. class members who paid late fees between August 2010 and April 2015, providing up to $25 per verified late fee payment via check or account credit. As part of the agreement, J2 Global agreed to cap future late fees at $10 and forgo collection on certain unpaid fees prior to September 2015. In a related consumer protection matter, J2 Global settled a 2019 lawsuit with the County District Attorney's Office over allegations of deceptive automatic subscription renewals for its internet services. The settlement required the company to pay $1.2 million, including $585,000 in restitution to affected consumers, plus penalties and costs, and mandated changes to sales practices such as clearer renewal notices. On the securities front, J2 Global was the subject of a putative lawsuit filed in 2020 by Jonathan Espy, alleging violations of federal securities laws through misleading statements about the company's acquisition-driven growth . The , amended twice, claimed that disclosures omitted risks related to the opacity of J2 Global's acquisition model, including potential related-party issues highlighted in a contemporaneous short-seller report. The U.S. District Court for the Central District of dismissed the case in 2022 for failure to adequately plead and loss causation, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal in April 2024, ruling that the allegations lacked sufficient materiality and evidentiary support. Regulatory disputes have also arisen in tax matters. During the , J2 Global Communications, Inc. sought refunds from the City of for business taxes paid on its eFax services, arguing exemption under the Internet Tax Freedom Act as an service. In 2013, the California Court of Appeal upheld for the city, ruling that eFax constituted rather than , denying the refunds. Separately, in 2021, J2 Global petitioned the U.S. Tax Court to challenge the IRS's denial of a domestic production activities deduction for its 2014 tax year, contending that its software development and related activities qualified under Section 199 of the (Docket No. 8392-21). On July 29, 2025, the Tax Court denied cross-motions for , requiring additional factual development on the characterization of the company's software sales and services; the case remains unresolved as of November 2025. Governance issues gained attention following a June 2020 report by , which alleged that J2 Global engaged in a pattern of related-party transactions over the prior decade, designed to benefit insiders and executives at shareholders' expense. The report cited examples such as acquisitions from consultants with ties to company leadership, prompting shareholder lawsuits and informal scrutiny from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). No formal SEC enforcement actions or charges resulted from the report, and J2 Global publicly rebutted the claims, asserting full compliance with disclosure requirements. Post-2021 spin-off, successor entities faced additional disputes. In April 2025, filed a lawsuit against in U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, alleging the AI company unlawfully used content from Ziff Davis publications (including , , and ) to train without permission or compensation. The case, ongoing as of November 2025, seeks damages and an injunction, highlighting tensions between media owners and AI developers. Separately, Consensus Cloud Solutions became subject to securities investigations starting in February 2023, following disclosures of errors in for deferred revenue, which overstated quarterly results by approximately $2.2 million and $2.5 million, leading to financial restatements and investor losses; multiple law firms announced probes into potential federal securities violations, with cases consolidated in ongoing litigation as of November 2025. These disputes have led to financial penalties and operational adjustments for J2 Global. Settlements in cases imposed millions in restitution, fees, and penalties, while rulings required of assessed amounts without refunds. In response, the company adopted measures like fee limitations and enhanced billing transparency to address complaints and mitigate future litigation risks.

Awards and recognition

Customer service awards

J2 Global has earned several Stevie Awards recognizing excellence in customer service, particularly for its support teams. In 2015, the company received a Gold Stevie Award for Contact Center of the Year in the technology support category (up to 100 agents) and a Silver Stevie Award for Front-Line Team of the Year, honoring its North American organization and support teams. In 2016, its Campaigner division secured two Gold Stevie Awards in the International Business Awards for Best Department and Team, highlighting outstanding support delivery. The Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service evaluate nominees based on criteria such as in management, effective execution of support practices, and measurable results in user satisfaction and resolution. For J2 Global, these honors underscored strengths in areas like 24/7 global support availability, as exemplified by its eVoice service's round-the-clock live phone and assistance for technical issues. In 2017, J2 Global achieved six Stevie Awards across sales, support, and categories in the and sector, including Silver awards for Customer Service Department of the Year and Contact Center of the Year, plus a for Front-Line Service Team of the Year, benefiting cloud services such as eFax and eVoice. Internally, J2 Global reinforced its commitment to service excellence through the 2020 Achievement Awards, a peer-nominated program that recognized 250 employees—about 5% of its workforce—for contributions to and related initiatives, selected from over 1,600 nominations. The Stevie wins highlighted here pertain to the J2 Global era.

Business and industry honors

J2 Global has earned recognition for its market leadership and innovation in and through various business rankings and industry accolades. In 2013, the company was ranked number 39 on ' list of America's Best Small Companies, which evaluates firms with annual revenues under $1 billion based on earnings growth, sales growth, and over the prior five years. This placement followed its inclusion in the 2010 Forbes list of 100 Best Small Companies in America, underscoring its consistent performance in cloud technology sectors. In 2012, J2 Global was selected for the InformationWeek 500, an annual ranking of the most innovative users of business technology, particularly for its advancements in IT-driven communications services. The company also appeared multiple times on Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 list, which honors North America's fastest-growing technology firms by revenue over a three-year period, with inclusions in 2001 (rank 105), 2003 (rank 248), 2004 (rank 254), and 2007 (rank 466) reflecting its aggressive expansion. These honors were supported by strong financial metrics, including a (CAGR) of approximately 19% in from 2010 ($255.4 million) to 2020 ($1.48 billion), driven by acquisitions and dominance in and VoIP markets. Such recognitions validated the company's acquisition-driven strategy, enhancing investor confidence ahead of its 2021 separation into Consensus Cloud Solutions and .

References

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