Peter Hense
Technology, Data Protection, Machine Learning, and Travel Industry Law
Peter Hense advises prominent national and international companies on implementing and enforcing digital innovations and business models across IT, Artificial Intelligence, Data Protection, and Competition Law in R&D, commerce, marketing, and industry. A significant focus of his work is dedicated to leading companies in the travel and hospitality sectors, where he advises top players on Travel Technology and Digital Distribution and represents them in court.
He and Sabine Fuhrmann founded Spirit Legal in the year 2011, their major focus being on those issues which arise when business meets technology. His prior experience includes roles at an Italian Studio Legale specializing in public telecommunications and trademark law, work in real estate law at a British law firm, and various positions in e-commerce and IT companies. Peter completed his studies and legal training in Leipzig and Rome.
With over 400 interim proceedings, 40+ tech-related class actions, and hundreds of individual and competitor claims, Peter brings extensive experience to strategic litigation — many of these cases gaining media attention.
Since 2017, a key focus of his work has been advising on automated decision-making, supporting the development of machine learning models and systems with a focus on data quality management and data governance, and implementing emerging global compliance standards for AI systems, including the upcoming EU AI Act.
Peter Hense and Tea Mustać co-host a monthly podcast titled "RegInt: Decoding AI Regulation", covering topics on AI technology and regulation. The podcast has a small but dedicated global fan base.
Peter is a member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), and a lifetime member of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association Germany (HSMA).
Staying up to date on international law, emerging tech, and political trends, Peter follows developments on LinkedIn and Twitter. For a break from complex legal matters, he travels Europe with his family, always mindful of his carbon footprint.
