De Koster & De Koster traces its roots to 1952 when Lucas J. De Koster moved his family from Cleveland, Ohio, back to his hometown and passed the Iowa Bar. He had previously practiced in Cleveland, where he was employed by a firm specializing in patent and trademark law, after having graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in engineering. Lucas was able to continue to cultivate this interest by adding the intellectual property law specialty to the general practice of law he established in his home town. He remained a sole practitioner until August 1, 1979, when he was joined in the practice by his son, John G. De Koster. Before returning home, John had spent four years in Washington D.C. practicing with the United States Department of Interior. Because John did not share his father’s interest in engineering, the general practice of law, over a period of years, became John’s responsibility. Lucas, after he had semi-retired, again limited his practice to patents, trademarks and copyrights until his death in February of 2000. John then practiced as a sole practitioner until October 1, 2013, when he was joined by his son, Philip J. De Koster, who had practiced for three years in Des Moines with the LaMarca Law Group, with whom he remains of counsel. Philip’s education and experience has enabled him to bring to the firm trial practice experience. This allows the firm to broaden its range of services into more contested matters.
The firm’s office on Main Street in Hull, Iowa, remains in the same place as it was when it was first established, even though the original building was replaced in the early ‘60’s. The newer building has been expanded and remodeled making it both more accessible and welcoming to our clients. We invite you to consult us should you be found with any need for legal advice.