Betsy Haanes
About Betsy Haanes
Betsy Haanes serves as the Senior Vice President of Intellectual Property at IGM Biosciences, Inc., where she has worked since 2022. With extensive experience in biotechnology and corporate law, she leads a team focused on managing patent portfolios and has a strong background in music.
Work at IGM Biosciences
Betsy Haanes serves as the Senior Vice President of Intellectual Property at IGM Biosciences, Inc., a position she has held since 2022. In this role, she leads a team of in-house intellectual property professionals, focusing on the preparation and prosecution of patents internally. Haanes has expanded her responsibilities to include decision-making and hands-on work in corporate law beyond intellectual property. Prior to her current role, she was the Vice President of Intellectual Property at IGM Biosciences from 2019 to 2022, contributing to the company's strategic initiatives in biotechnology.
Education and Expertise
Betsy Haanes holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Colorado, where she studied from 1997 to 2000. She also earned a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Minnesota, completing her studies from 1983 to 1989. Additionally, she obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with Distinction in Biology from the University of Michigan. Haanes has extensive expertise in managing patent portfolios for biotechnology companies, with a focus on infectious diseases, oncology, neurology, autoimmunity, and inflammation.
Background
Before joining IGM Biosciences, Betsy Haanes held various positions in law firms and corporate settings. She was a Partner at FisherBroyles, LLP from 2018 to 2019 and at Thompson Coburn LLP from 2014 to 2018. Haanes also served as Director at Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox for 15 years, from 1999 to 2014. Her background includes significant experience in intellectual property law, particularly in the biotechnology sector.
Achievements
Betsy Haanes has made notable contributions in the field of intellectual property law, particularly within biotechnology. She is registered as In-House Counsel in California and is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia and before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Haanes has successfully handled freedom to operate and patent landscape analyses, as well as due diligence in mergers and acquisitions, corporate partnering deals, and financing transactions.
Musical Involvement
Betsy Haanes has a background in music, having initially started as a music major at the University of Michigan. She actively seeks opportunities to engage in chamber music and is involved in the Bay Area music community. Currently, she plays the bassoon in a local community orchestra, showcasing her commitment to both her professional and artistic pursuits.