By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Dr. Seuss Enterprises has promoted Nicole Gates to Vice President, Legal, and hired Mike Lancaster as Corporate Counsel.
“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,” said president & CEO Susan Brandt. “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.”
Gates, who previously held the role of Senior Corporate Counsel, will manage the growing Dr. Seuss Enterprises legal team and, as a member of the executive leadership team, will provide strategic guidance on major corporate initiatives and a wide variety of operational matters.
“I am so grateful to start the year off in this new role on the Dr. Seuss Enterprises team,” said Gates. “I look forward to deepening and expanding all aspects of the licensing business that promotes and protects the beloved and iconic property.”
Lancaster will advise on a wide range of commercial contract matters and provide counsel on day-to-day legal matters arising from strategic partnerships, promotional marketing initiatives, and vendor relationships.
Gates will report directly to the CEO and president of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, Susan Brandt, and will oversee all legal matters relating to the company’s global portfolio including the Dr. Seuss books, films, television programs, stage productions, exhibitions, digital media, licensed merchandise, and other partnerships.
Gates will also administer global trademark and copyright portfolios including strategic filing projects, trademark maintenance, and intellectual property conflicts.
Lancaster will report directly to Gates, and will focus on drafting and negotiating licensing contracts with retailers, media and entertainment companies, publishers, and content creators.
“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 said.
Prior to joining Dr. Seuss Enterprises, Gates held positions at top global law firms in San Diego and Los Angeles. Gates earned her bachelor’s degree at University of Virginia and her Juris Doctor from USC Gould School of Law. She currently resides in San Diego where she loves spending time near the beach.
Lancaster previously worked in the Los Angeles office of an international law firm where he focused his practice on corporate and complex commercial financing transactions. Lancaster earned a J.D. from UCLA School of Law and is a veteran of the United States Navy.
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