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<FONT size="2"><B>As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May&nbsp;15, 2003</B>
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<DIV align="right"><FONT size="2"><B>Registration No.&nbsp;333-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</B>
</FONT></DIV>

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<FONT size="4"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</B>
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<BR><FONT size="3"><B>Washington, D.C. 20549</B>
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<FONT size="5"><B>FORM S-8</B>
</FONT>
<BR><FONT size="2"><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT</B>
</FONT>
<BR><FONT size="2"><B>UNDER</B>
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<BR><FONT size="2"><B>THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</B>
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<FONT size="6"><B>ALTERA CORPORATION</B>
</FONT>
<BR><FONT size="2">(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
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    <TD width="30%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="30%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="30%">&nbsp;</TD>
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<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2"><B>Delaware</B><BR>
(State or other jurisdiction of<BR>
incorporation or organization)</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
<B>101 Innovation Drive<BR>
San Jose, California 95134<BR>
(408)&nbsp;544-7000</B>
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2"><B>77-0016691</B><BR>
(IRS Employer<BR>
Identification No.)</FONT></TD>
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<CENTER>
<FONT size="2">(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip code)
</FONT>
<BR><FONT size="2"><B>1996 Stock Option Plan<BR>
1987 Employee Stock Purchase Plan</B><BR>
(Full title of the plans)
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<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>JOHN P. DAANE<BR>
President and Chief<BR>
Executive Officer<BR>
Altera Corporation<BR>
101 Innovation Drive<BR>
San Jose, California 95134</B><BR>
(Name and address of agent for service)<BR>
<B>(408)&nbsp;544-7000</B><BR>
(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
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<P align="center"><FONT size="2">Copies to:
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    <TD width="40%">&nbsp;</TD>
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<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">KATHERINE E. SCHUELKE, ESQ.<BR>
Vice President, General Counsel<BR>
and Secretary<BR>
ALTERA CORPORATION<BR>
101 Innovation Drive<BR>
San Jose, California 95134<BR>
(408)&nbsp;544-7000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
WARREN L. TROUPE, ESQ.<BR>
BRIAN V. CAID, ESQ.<BR>
MORRISON &#038; FOERSTER LLP<BR>
370 17th Street, Suite&nbsp;5200<BR>
Denver, Colorado 80202<BR>
(303)&nbsp;592-1500</FONT></TD>
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<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE</B>
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    <TD width="5%"><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="29%"><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="5%"><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="5%"><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="5%"><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="5%"><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="2%"><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="5%"><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="7%"><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="8%"><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="5%"><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="6%"><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="6%"><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="2"><FONT size="1"><B>Title of Each Class of</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Amount to be</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Proposed</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Proposed Maximum</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Amount of</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="2"><FONT size="1"><B>Securities to be Registered</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Registered (1)</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Maximum Offering</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Aggregate Offering</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Registration Fee (3)</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="2"><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Price Per Share (2)</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Price (3)</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="2"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
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    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD colspan="2"><DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="2">Common Stock, par
value $0.001 per
share, issuable
pursuant to:</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD colspan="2"><DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1996 Stock Option Plan</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">6,000,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">16.86</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">101,160,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">8,183.84</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD colspan="2"><DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1987 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">2,000,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">16.86</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">33,720,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">2,727.95</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD colspan="2"><DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD><DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">8,000,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">16.86</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">134,880,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">10,911.79</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<TR valign="top">
    <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(1)</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="98%"><FONT size="2">This Registration Statement also covers an indeterminate number of
additional shares of common stock that become issuable under the 1996 Stock
Option Plan and 1987 Employee Stock Purchase Plan by reason of any stock
dividend, stock split, recapitalization or any other similar transaction
effected without the receipt of consideration, which results in an increase in
the number of the Registrant&#146;s outstanding shares of common stock.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
    <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(2)</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="98%"><FONT size="2">The proposed maximum offering price per share and proposed maximum
aggregate offering price are estimated solely for purposes of calculating the
registration fee.</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(3)</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="98%"><FONT size="2">Computed in accordance with Rule&nbsp;457(h) of the Securities Act of 1933.
Such computation is based on the average of the high and low price as reported
on The Nasdaq National Market on May&nbsp;14, 2003.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<A name="toc"><DIV align="CENTER" style="page-break-before:always"><U><B>TABLE OF CONTENTS</B></U></DIV></A>

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<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#000">PART I - INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#001">PART II - INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#002">Item&nbsp;3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#003">Item&nbsp;4. Description of Securities.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#004">Item&nbsp;5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#005">Item&nbsp;6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#006">Item&nbsp;7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#007">Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#008">Item&nbsp;9. Undertakings</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#009">SIGNATURES</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#010">POWER OF ATTORNEY</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#011">EXHIBIT INDEX</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="d06053exv5w1.txt">EX-5.1 Opinion/Consent of Morrison & Foerster LLP</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="d06053exv23w1.txt">EX-23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP</A></TD></TR>
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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>






<!-- link1 "PART I - INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="000"></A></DIV>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>PART I</B>
</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS</B>
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The documents containing the information specified in this Part I of Form
S-8 will be sent or given to employees as specified by Rule&nbsp;428(b)(1) of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (&#147;Commission&#148;). Such documents need not be
filed with the Commission either as part of this Registration Statement or as
prospectuses or prospectus supplements pursuant to Rule&nbsp;424. These documents
and the documents incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement
pursuant to Item&nbsp;3 of Part II of this Form&nbsp;S-8, taken together, constitute a
prospectus that meets the requirements of Section&nbsp;10(a) of the Securities Act
of 1933.
</FONT>
<!-- link1 "PART II - INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="001"></A></DIV>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>PART II<BR>
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</B>
</FONT>

<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="002"></A></DIV>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2"><B>Item&nbsp;3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.</B>
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The following documents, all of which were previously filed by the
Registrant (File No.&nbsp;0-16617) with the Commission pursuant to the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (&#147;Exchange Act&#148;), are hereby incorporated by reference:
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Registrant&#146;s Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the year ended
December&nbsp;31, 2002, filed with the Commission on March&nbsp;11, 2003.</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Registrant&#146;s Quarterly Report on Form&nbsp;10-Q for the quarter ended
March&nbsp;31, 2003, filed with the Commission on May&nbsp;15, 2003.</FONT>


<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The description of the Registrant&#146;s Common Stock as set forth in the
Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;8-A filed with the Commission on March&nbsp;18, 1988,
including any amendments or reports filed with the Commission for the purpose
of updating such description.</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All reports and other documents filed by the Registrant pursuant to
Sections&nbsp;13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, after the date of this
Registration Statement and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment
which indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or which
deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement and to be part
hereof from the date of filing such documents.
</FONT>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration
Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein (or in any other
subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein) modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed to constitute a part hereof, except
as so modified or superseded.
</FONT>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">2</FONT>
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<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;4. Description of Securities." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="003"></A></DIV>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2"><B>Item&nbsp;4. Description of Securities.</B>
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable.
</FONT>
<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="004"></A></DIV>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2"><B>Item&nbsp;5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.</B>
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable.
</FONT>
<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="005"></A></DIV>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2"><B>Item&nbsp;6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.</B>
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section&nbsp;145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law provides that a
corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to
be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or
proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other
than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact
that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or
is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer,
employee or agent of another corporation, partnership or other enterprise,
against all expenses (including attorneys&#146; fees), judgments, fines and amounts
paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by them in connection with
such action, suit or proceeding if he or she acted in good faith and in a
manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interest of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, if he or she had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was
unlawful. Section&nbsp;145 further provides that a corporation similarly may
indemnify any such person serving in any such capacity who was or is a party or
is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action
or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its
favor, against expenses (including attorneys&#146; fees) actually and reasonably
incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of the action or suit if
he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to
be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except that no
indemnification may be made against expenses in respect of any claim, issue or
matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the
corporation, unless and only to the extent that the court in which such action
or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the
adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case,
such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses
which such court shall deem proper.
</FONT>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Registrant maintains a policy of directors&#146; and officers&#146; liability
insurance that insures its directors and officers against the costs of defense,
settlement or payment of a judgment under certain circumstances.
</FONT>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Registrant&#146;s policy is to enter into indemnification agreements with
each of its directors and officers that provide the maximum indemnity allowed
to directors and officers by Section&nbsp;145 of the Delaware General Corporation
Law and the Bylaws, as well as certain additional procedural protections.
</FONT>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">3</FONT>
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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The above discussion is not intended to be exhaustive and is qualified in
its entirety by applicable Delaware statutes and the Registrant&#146;s Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws and documents referred to above.
</FONT>
<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;7. Exemption from Registration Claimed." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="006"></A></DIV>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2"><B>Item&nbsp;7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.</B>
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable.
</FONT>
<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="007"></A></DIV>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2"><B>Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits</B>
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The following exhibits are attached to this Registration Statement:
</FONT>
<CENTER>
<TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="65%">
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="8%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="87%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Exhibit No.</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Description</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">4.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Specimen copy of certificate for shares of common stock of the
Registrant.(1)</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">5.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Opinion of Morrison &#038; Foerster LLP</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">23.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">23.2</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Consent of Morrison &#038; Foerster LLP (included in Exhibit&nbsp;5.1 hereto)</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">24.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Power of Attorney (included on signature page hereto)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
<P>
<HR size="1" width="18%" align="left" noshade>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<TR valign="top">
    <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(1)</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Incorporated by reference to the identically numbered exhibit filed with
the Registrant&#146;s Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1997 filed with the Commission on March&nbsp;30, 1998 (Commission File No.
0-16617).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;9. Undertakings" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="008"></A></DIV>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2"><B>Item&nbsp;9. Undertakings</B>
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp; The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
</FONT>
<P>
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="97%"></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)&nbsp;To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
<P>
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<TR>
    <TD width="6%"></TD>
    <TD width="94%"></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)&nbsp;to include any prospectus required by Section&nbsp;10(a)(3) or
the Securities Act of 1933;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)&nbsp;to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising
after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most
recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in
the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information
set forth in the registration statement;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">4</FONT>
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<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>





<P>
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<TR>
    <TD width="6%"></TD>
    <TD width="94%"></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)&nbsp;to include any material information with respect to the
plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration
statement or any material change to such information in the
registration statement.</FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
<P>
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="97%"></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)&nbsp;That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment shall be deemed to
be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
to be the <I>bona fide </I>offering thereof.</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)&nbsp;To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at
the termination of the offering.</FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp; The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
Registrant&#146;s annual report pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a) or Section&nbsp;15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan&#146;s annual report pursuant to Section&nbsp;15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial <I>bona fide </I>offering thereof.
</FONT>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)&nbsp; Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise,
the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
</FONT>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">5</FONT>
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<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>
<!-- link1 "SIGNATURES" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="009"></A></DIV>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>SIGNATURES</B>
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form&nbsp;S-8 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of San Jose, State of California, on May&nbsp;15, 2003.
</FONT>
<CENTER>
<TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="49%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="46%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" valign="top" align="left"><FONT size="2">ALTERA CORPORATION</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
By:
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Nathan M. Sarkisian<BR>
<HR noshade>
Nathan M. Sarkisian,<BR>
Senior Vice President and<BR>
Chief Financial Officer<BR></FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">6</FONT>
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<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<!-- link1 "POWER OF ATTORNEY" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="010"></A></DIV>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>POWER OF ATTORNEY</B>
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints John P. Daane and Nathan M. Sarkisian,
and each or either of them, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and
in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and
all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration
Statement on Form&nbsp;S-8, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them,
full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all
intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying
and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agents, or either of them, or
their or his or her substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney may be signed in several
counterparts.
</FONT>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the date indicated:
</FONT>
<CENTER>
<TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="20%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="38%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="12%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Signature</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Title</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Date</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ John P. Daane<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
John P. Daane</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, Chief Executive Officer
and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">May 15, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Nathan M. Sarkisian<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Nathan M. Sarkisian</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">May 15, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Charles M. Clough<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Charles M. Clough</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">May 15, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Robert J. Finocchio, Jr.<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Robert J. Finocchio, Jr.</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">May 15, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Paul Newhagen<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Paul Newhagen</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">May 15, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Robert W. Reed<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Robert W. Reed</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and Lead Independent Director
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">May 15, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Deborah D. Rieman<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Deborah D. Rieman</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">May 15, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ William E. Terry<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
William E. Terry</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">May 15, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">7</FONT>
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<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<!-- link1 "EXHIBIT INDEX" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="011"></A></DIV>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>EXHIBIT INDEX</B>
</FONT>

<CENTER>
<TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="75%">
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="8%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="87%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Exhibit No.</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Description</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="center"><FONT size="2">4.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Specimen copy of certificate for shares of common stock of the Registrant.(1)</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="center"><FONT size="2">5.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Opinion of Morrison &#038; Foerster LLP.</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="center"><FONT size="2">23.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="center"><FONT size="2">23.2</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Consent of Morrison &#038; Foerster LLP (included in Exhibit&nbsp;5.1)</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="center"><FONT size="2">24.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Power of Attorney (included on signature page)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
<P>
<HR size="1" width="18%" align="left" noshade>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<TR valign="top">
    <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(1)</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="98%"><FONT size="2">Incorporated by reference to the identically numbered exhibit filed with
the Registrant&#146;s Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1997 filed with the Commission on March&nbsp;30, 1998 (Commission File No.
0-16617).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">8</FONT>



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sv8
Table of Contents
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 2003
Registration No. 333-
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
ALTERA CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
101 Innovation Drive
San Jose, California 95134
(408) 544-7000
77-0016691
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip code)
1996 Stock Option Plan
1987 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
(Full title of the plans)
JOHN P. DAANE
President and Chief
Executive Officer
Altera Corporation
101 Innovation Drive
San Jose, California 95134
(Name and address of agent for service)
(408) 544-7000
(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
KATHERINE E. SCHUELKE, ESQ.
Vice President, General Counsel
and Secretary
ALTERA CORPORATION
101 Innovation Drive
San Jose, California 95134
(408) 544-7000
WARREN L. TROUPE, ESQ.
BRIAN V. CAID, ESQ.
MORRISON & FOERSTER LLP
370 17th Street, Suite 5200
Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 592-1500
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Each Class of
Amount to be
Proposed
Proposed Maximum
Amount of
Securities to be Registered
Registered (1)
Maximum Offering
Aggregate Offering
Registration Fee (3)
Price Per Share (2)
Price (3)
Common Stock, par
value $0.001 per
share, issuable
pursuant to:
1996 Stock Option Plan
6,000,000
$
16.86
$
101,160,000
$
8,183.84
1987 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan
2,000,000
$
16.86
$
33,720,000
$
2,727.95
Total
8,000,000
$
16.86
$
134,880,000
$
10,911.79
(1)
This Registration Statement also covers an indeterminate number of
additional shares of common stock that become issuable under the 1996 Stock
Option Plan and 1987 Employee Stock Purchase Plan by reason of any stock
dividend, stock split, recapitalization or any other similar transaction
effected without the receipt of consideration, which results in an increase in
the number of the Registrant's outstanding shares of common stock.
(2)
The proposed maximum offering price per share and proposed maximum
aggregate offering price are estimated solely for purposes of calculating the
registration fee.
(3)
Computed in accordance with Rule 457(h) of the Securities Act of 1933.
Such computation is based on the average of the high and low price as reported
on The Nasdaq National Market on May 14, 2003.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I - INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
PART II - INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
Item 4. Description of Securities.
Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.
Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.
Item 8. Exhibits
Item 9. Undertakings
SIGNATURES
POWER OF ATTORNEY
EXHIBIT INDEX
EX-5.1 Opinion/Consent of Morrison & Foerster LLP
EX-23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
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PART I
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
The documents containing the information specified in this Part I of Form
S-8 will be sent or given to employees as specified by Rule 428(b)(1) of the
Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission"). Such documents need not be
filed with the Commission either as part of this Registration Statement or as
prospectuses or prospectus supplements pursuant to Rule 424. These documents
and the documents incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement
pursuant to Item 3 of Part II of this Form S-8, taken together, constitute a
prospectus that meets the requirements of Section 10(a) of the Securities Act
of 1933.
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
The following documents, all of which were previously filed by the
Registrant (File No. 0-16617) with the Commission pursuant to the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act"), are hereby incorporated by reference:
(1)     The Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2002, filed with the Commission on March 11, 2003.
(2)     The Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
March 31, 2003, filed with the Commission on May 15, 2003.
(3)     The description of the Registrant's Common Stock as set forth in the
Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Commission on March 18, 1988,
including any amendments or reports filed with the Commission for the purpose
of updating such description.
All reports and other documents filed by the Registrant pursuant to
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, after the date of this
Registration Statement and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment
which indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or which
deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement and to be part
hereof from the date of filing such documents.
Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration
Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein (or in any other
subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein) modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed to constitute a part hereof, except
as so modified or superseded.
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Item 4. Description of Securities.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.
Not applicable.
Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law provides that a
corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to
be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or
proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other
than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact
that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or
is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer,
employee or agent of another corporation, partnership or other enterprise,
against all expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts
paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by them in connection with
such action, suit or proceeding if he or she acted in good faith and in a
manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interest of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, if he or she had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was
unlawful. Section 145 further provides that a corporation similarly may
indemnify any such person serving in any such capacity who was or is a party or
is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action
or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its
favor, against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably
incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of the action or suit if
he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to
be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except that no
indemnification may be made against expenses in respect of any claim, issue or
matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the
corporation, unless and only to the extent that the court in which such action
or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the
adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case,
such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses
which such court shall deem proper.
The Registrant maintains a policy of directors' and officers' liability
insurance that insures its directors and officers against the costs of defense,
settlement or payment of a judgment under certain circumstances.
The Registrant's policy is to enter into indemnification agreements with
each of its directors and officers that provide the maximum indemnity allowed
to directors and officers by Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation
Law and the Bylaws, as well as certain additional procedural protections.
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The above discussion is not intended to be exhaustive and is qualified in
its entirety by applicable Delaware statutes and the Registrant's Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws and documents referred to above.
Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.
Not applicable.
Item 8. Exhibits
The following exhibits are attached to this Registration Statement:
Exhibit No.
Description
4.1
Specimen copy of certificate for shares of common stock of the
Registrant.(1)
5.1
Opinion of Morrison & Foerster LLP
23.1
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
23.2
Consent of Morrison & Foerster LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1 hereto)
24.1
Power of Attorney (included on signature page hereto)
(1)
Incorporated by reference to the identically numbered exhibit filed with
the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1997 filed with the Commission on March 30, 1998 (Commission File No.
0-16617).
Item 9. Undertakings
(a)  The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement;
(i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) or
the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising
after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most
recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in
the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information
set forth in the registration statement;
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(iii) to include any material information with respect to the
plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration
statement or any material change to such information in the
registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment shall be deemed to
be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
to be the
bona fide
offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at
the termination of the offering.
(b)  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
bona fide
offering thereof.
(c)  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise,
the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of San Jose, State of California, on May 15, 2003.
ALTERA CORPORATION
By:
/s/ Nathan M. Sarkisian
Nathan M. Sarkisian,
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
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POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints John P. Daane and Nathan M. Sarkisian,
and each or either of them, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and
in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and
all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration
Statement on Form S-8, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them,
full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all
intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying
and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agents, or either of them, or
their or his or her substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney may be signed in several
counterparts.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the date indicated:
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ John P. Daane
John P. Daane
Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, Chief Executive Officer
and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
May 15, 2003
/s/ Nathan M. Sarkisian
Nathan M. Sarkisian
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
May 15, 2003
/s/ Charles M. Clough
Charles M. Clough
Director
May 15, 2003
/s/ Robert J. Finocchio, Jr.
Robert J. Finocchio, Jr.
Director
May 15, 2003
/s/ Paul Newhagen
Paul Newhagen
Director
May 15, 2003
/s/ Robert W. Reed
Robert W. Reed
Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and Lead Independent Director
May 15, 2003
/s/ Deborah D. Rieman
Deborah D. Rieman
Director
May 15, 2003
/s/ William E. Terry
William E. Terry
Director
May 15, 2003
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EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.
Description
4.1
Specimen copy of certificate for shares of common stock of the Registrant.(1)
5.1
Opinion of Morrison & Foerster LLP.
23.1
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
23.2
Consent of Morrison & Foerster LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)
24.1
Power of Attorney (included on signature page)
(1)
Incorporated by reference to the identically numbered exhibit filed with
the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1997 filed with the Commission on March 30, 1998 (Commission File No.
0-16617).
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