NORTH AMERICA– Jonathan Symington, former vice president and general manager, global entertainment, Disney Consumer Products, has launched a new licensing-focused business consultancy firm.

NORTH AMERICA—YouTuber LaurDIY, also known as Lauren Riihimaki, has teamed up with Mad Engine to launch a new collection of branded apparel and accessory products, in a deal brokered by LaurDIY’s licensing agency The Brand Liaison.

NORTH AMERICA–The Boston Red Sox has appointed the New England apparel brand Vineyard Vines to serve as the “official style” of both the baseball team and its stadium Fenway Park.

EUROPE–Bulldog Licensing has been appointed to represent Usborne Children’s Books’ preschool series That’s Not My… by Fiona Watt for licensing.

NORTH AMERICA–Universal Games has joined forces with Unity Technology to launch the Universal GameDav Challenge, a celebration of game development.

NORTH AMERICA–Television personality Joanna Gaines, in partnership with Kilz, has teamed up with Ace Hardware to launch the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines Paint collection exclusively at the retailer.

NORTH AMERICA—Television icon Jaclyn Smith has introduced a ready to wear collection at Sears.

NORTH AMERICA–Taco Bell is bringing its Mexican-inspired flavors to the grocery aisle with a new line of tortilla chips.  

NORTH AMERICA—IMG College Licensing teamed up with the NCAA this weekend to make anti-counterfeiting preparations for the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Four games. 

NORTH AMERICA–Dependable Solutions will host its annual Licensing Automation Summit this month at the Portofino Hotel in Redondo Beach, Calif.