What is the best way for Lee to protect his photograph of a sunset?

The best way for Lee to protect his photograph of a sunset is through copyright. Copyright is a legal mechanism that grants the creator of an original work exclusive rights to its use and distribution, typically for a limited period of time. This applies specifically to works of authorship, including literature, music, and visual art such as photographs. By obtaining copyright protection, Lee would ensure that he has control over how his photograph is reproduced, distributed, and displayed, preventing others from using his work without permission.

In contrast, patents protect inventions or discoveries, providing exclusive rights to the inventor for a certain period of time, which is not applicable to art pieces like photographs. Trademarks are used to protect words, phrases, symbols, or designs that identify and distinguish the source of goods or services and do not apply to artistic works. Similarly, service marks serve a similar purpose for services instead of products and do not pertain to creative works like photographs. Therefore, copyright is the most suitable form of protection for Lee's photographic work.