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.