Hi. I happen to know a little bit about this, in the abstract. This question should be easier than it is. ;-) We live in an age where the right of publicity (not exactly a copyright, more like a trademark) for dead persons has been developed and is growing. Think of Elvis. An underlying point (to bear in mind in this context) about copyrights is that they eventually expire, even for unpublished works. Trademarks need not expire (ex: Coca Cola, Bayer Aspirin- 2 19th c. brand names still cranking along...). I don't want to bore everyone with the minutiae of (C) for unpublished works written in the US before 1910.... Now take a look at this site : http://www.cmgworldwide.com/historic/twain/ As I read it, CMG Worldwide provides licenses, to willing licensees, for various rights to use SLC-related materials, including likenesses. They do this on behalf of the Estate. I don't know who the natural persons comprising the Estate might be, at this point, but I believe they have to be vertical and have skin on them. ;-) SLC's only granddaughter (Nina, Clara's daughter) died long ago. Peering further, one might also take a look at the clearances that Mr. Ken Burns and others went through in the making of recent films. FYI, a film was made (that I don't know anything else about) related this topic: The Mark Twain Company Adam Goldman ( http://www.911media.org/events/screenings98/august.html ) "A dense and selective history of Mark Twain's writings, family members, and commercial interests of the Mark Twain Estate, Goldman's work portrays this American institution with appropriate absurdity." During Twain's life, his name and likeness, and perhaps those of his characters, including a few endorsements, I believe- was licensed by the Mark Twain Company for commercial purposes. Plasmon? Peterson's pipes, a watch movement, etc. For example- http://www.twainquotes.com/sarony/SaronyCigarLabel.jpg (1913) Finally, there is the question of unlicensed use of the brand, if you will. I don't know if "Mark Twain Bank", and "Mark Twain Rural Telephone" and such entities were ever licensed. Sorry you asked? ;-) DDD