* The Harvey Entertainment Company has signed a deal giving Hearst Entertainment worldwide licensing rights (excluding some Latin American territories) to Harvey’s Classic Characters properties. A recently announced deal with Harvey Fashion will be folded into this agreement. Hearst has also inked a deal for worldwide licensing rights to The Ripping Friends, the latest irreverent animated series by Spömco and Ren & Stimpy creator John Kricfalusi.

* Bandai has begun announcing key licensees for anime series Gundam Wing, currently airing on the Cartoon Network’s Toonami block. They include AME for sleepwear and underwear, Banzai Anime for wall scrolls, CSS Industries for Valentine’s Day cards, Headstart for sportswear, Kittrich for back-to-school supplies, ODM for T-shirts, sweatshirts and tanks, Pace Entertainment for posters, Sport Fun for skateboards and scooters, and Top Of The Line for kites.

* Pioneer Entertainment has signed new licensees for the Tenchi Muyo! anime series, which launches on Cartoon Network next month. They include Todd McFarlane for action figures, Palisades for wall scrolls, ToyCom for dolls, and Scorpio for posters. The wall scrolls will be available this summer, while the figures and dolls will launch in fourth quarter. Pioneer U.S.A. is also coordinating with Pioneer Japan for publishing and interactive licensing opportunities.

* Harry Potter’s magic continues as Warner Bros. Consumer Products signs new licensees that include Accessory Network for bags, accessories and slipper socks, Changes and Giant for boys T-shirts, Berkshire for rainwear, Happy Kids for boys sportswear and swimwear, High Point Accessories for socks and hosiery, Isaac Morris for mid-tier boys sportswear, Jerry Leigh for girls and juniors sportswear and tops, Pan Oceanic for sunglasses and accessories, Crown Crafts for throws and pillows, Franco Manufacturing for towels and sheets, Springs Industries for bedding and bath accessories, Johnson & Johnson for kids toiletries, Cedco Publishing for journals, address books and photo albums, and Thermos for lunch kits.

* The Sharpe Company has been named U.S. licensing agent for Purple Ronnie, a U.K. greeting card-based property managed by London-based The Licensing Company, which has also announced plans to open offices in New York, Paris and Tokyo.

* Saban Enterprises International has linked up with Mattel for a line of Power Rangers in Space toys for Latin America, which began rolling out last month in Mexico. Mattel will distribute the toys throughout other Latin American hubs, including Puerto Rico, Brazil and Central and South America. The series initially launched on Mexican terrestrial broadcaster Televisa 5 in May.