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Information Technology and Trademarks: Implications for Product Variety

Author

Listed:
  • Guodong (Gordon) Gao

    (Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742)

  • Lorin M. Hitt

    (The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104)

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between information technology (IT) and trademarks. Using an 11-year panel data set (1987-1997) of IT capital stock, trademark holdings, and other measures for 116 Fortune 1000 manufacturing firms, we find that IT contributes to higher trademark holdings. Further, we find evidence suggesting that firms with more IT capital tend to apply for more new trademarks and retire existing trademarks more quickly, leading to a shorter trademark life cycle. Because trademarks are mainly used by firms to communicate differences among similar products to the marketplace, these results suggest that the business value of IT can be realized in greater product variety. This paper was accepted by Barrie Nault, information systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Guodong (Gordon) Gao & Lorin M. Hitt, 2012. "Information Technology and Trademarks: Implications for Product Variety," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 58(6), pages 1211-1226, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ormnsc:v:58:y:2012:i:6:p:1211-1226
    DOI: 10.1287/mnsc.1110.1480
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