In contemporary documents, he was sometimes called "Count of Burgundy", as by King William of Germany in 1251.

[2] On June 5, 1237, he exchanged his inherited patrimony of Auxonne and Chalon with Hugh IV, Duke of Burgundy for the following territories: Salins[3] (which was at the time the second city of the County of Burgundy), Belvoir, Vuillafans, Ornans, Montfaucon, Arlay, the castle of Clées in Vaud, Chaussin and Orgelet.

[3] Although he gave charters to the towns in his territory, he also welcomed the Dominican friars as inquisitors.

The possession of Salins, with its salt production, gave John the fortune necessary to extend his territories.

To protect the trade routes, he built the following fortresses: Le Pin, Montmahoux, Saint-Anne, Arguel and Nozeroy.