News & Press

Global kid’s entertainment company Dr. Seuss Enterprises has promoted Nicole Gates from Senior Corporate Counsel to Vice President, Legal and hired Mike Lancaster to serve as Corporate Counsel. Gates will report directly to Susan Brandt, CEO and President of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, and Lancaster will report directly to Gates.

In her new role, Gates will manage the Dr. Seuss Enterprises legal team and provide strategic guidance on major corporate initiatives and operational matters. She will oversee all legal matters concerning the company’s portfolio, including Dr. Seuss books, television programs, films, stage productions, digital media, exhibitions, licensed merchandise, and other partnerships. Gates will also administer global trademark and copyright portfolios, including trademark maintenance, intellectual property conflicts, and strategic filing projects. Prior to joining the company, Gates held positions at global law firms in California.

“I look forward to deepening and expanding all aspects of the licensing business that promotes and protects the beloved and iconic property,” Gates says.

In his new role as Corporate Counsel, Lancaster will advise on commercial contract matters and provide counsel on day-to-day legal matters, including those arising from strategic partnerships, vendor relationships, and promotional marketing initiatives. He will also focus on drafting and negotiating licensing contracts with publishers, content creators, media and entertainment companies, and retailers. Lancaster recently focused on corporate and complex commercial financing transactions in his role at an international law firm.

“I’m eager to join the Dr. Seuss Enterprises team and incorporate my broad experience into the incredible work this well-regarded property is doing,” Lancaster says.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Nicole for over five years now, and I cannot overstate what an incredible asset she is to Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ executive team as well as to the company as a whole,” Brandt says. “Additionally, Mike’s years of industry experience will make him a valuable addition to the team. As the legal department develops, so does the Dr. Seuss brand’s strength and impact across the globe.”