Passing of Dr. Peter Siemsen

By Dannemann Siemsen

We regret to announce the passing of the lawyer Dr Peter Dirk Siemsen, which occurred on 22 March 2026.

An honorary senior partner at the law firm Dannemann Siemsen, Peter Dirk was one of the leading figures in intellectual property in Brazil and an international authority in the field, with a career spanning more than seven decades.

Born in Rio de Janeiro, he dedicated his life to the development and strengthening of intellectual property rights, and was widely recognised for his pioneering work and decisive contributions to the development of intellectual property in Brazil and worldwide.

He was the founder and honorary president of the Brazilian Intellectual Property Association (ABPI), founder and honorary president of ASIPI, international president and Honorary Member of AIPPI, as well as having held prominent positions in various institutions, playing an essential role in Brazil's integration into the global intellectual property landscape.

In recognition of his significance and international impact, he was inducted into the IP Hall of Fame in 2013, being the only Brazilian to receive this distinction, and also the only recipient of the INTA President's Award.

In sport, he was a prominent figure in sailing, both as a competitor and in institutional roles. In sailing, he won major titles, including the 1966 South American Championship in the Star class.

He also held leadership roles on the international stage, having served as president of the International Star Class Yacht Racing Association (ISCYRA), vice-president of the International Yacht Racing Union (IYRU) — now World Sailing — and general referee of the America's Cup. He was also an international and Olympic judge, and a member of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). In 2010, he received the Beppe Croce Trophy, World Sailing's highest honour, awarded for his exceptional contribution to the sport of sailing.

At the same time, he cultivated a deep appreciation for wine culture, having served as President in Brazil of the traditional Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin of Burgundy, one of the world's most prestigious wine brotherhoods, based at the Château du Clos de Vougeot in France.

A devoted father, husband, grandfather and great-grandfather, he leaves behind 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. A supporter of Fluminense Football Club, he maintained in his personal life the same enthusiasm and loyalty that characterised his professional and sporting career.

The partners and staff at Dannemann Siemsen deeply mourn his passing but are committed to honouring his memory and achievements. Peter is a professional and sporting legend who will continue to inspire generations.