On November 1, 2001, the Texas Intellectual Property Law Journal presented the first installment of its Speakers Series in the Francis Auditorium. The program, entitled The Future of Music, examined some of the critical issues currently at the intersection of music, technology, law and public policy, including copyright issues and the effect of current business models in the music industry. The event was sponsored by The University of Texas School of Law and Baker Botts, LLP.
After opening remarks by Dean William Powers, Professor Tony Reese moderated the event, which began with a presentation by Jenny Toomey, the Executive Director of the Future of Music Coalition. A panel discussion on the issues then followed with attorneys Garland Stephens of Pennie & Edmonds, LLP and Brian Szymczak of Baker Botts, LLP, as well as Ms. Toomey. Panel members presented their viewpoints on the various issues raised and answered questions from the audience, which included members of both the legal and music communities. Panel members agreed that rapid changes in technology had brought to light previously unforeseen problems in the music industry, but sometimes differed in their opinions on how to best address those problems. Proposals included both changes in legislation as well as modifying the traditional business models used within the music industry.