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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December&nbsp;14, 2004</B>



<P align="right" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>Registration No.&nbsp;333- ________</B>


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<HR size="1" noshade color="#000000" style="margin-top: -10px">





<P align="center" style="font-size: 14pt"><B>UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</B>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 12pt"><B>Washington, D.C. 20549</B>
</DIV>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><HR align="center" size="1" noshade width="25%">


<P align="center" style="font-size: 18pt"><B>FORM S-8</B>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT<br>

UNDER</B><br></DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</B></DIV>



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><HR align="center" size="1" noshade width="25%">


<P align="center" style="font-size: 24pt"><B>NOVELLUS SYSTEMS, INC.</B>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</DIV>


<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">

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    <TD width="47%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="47%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

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<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><B>California</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><B>77-00246</B></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">(State or other jurisdiction of<BR>
Incorporation or organization)
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">(I.R.S. Employer<BR>
Identification No.)</TD>
</TR>

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</TABLE>
</DIV>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>4000 North First Street<BR>
San Jose, CA 95134</B><BR>
(Address of principal executive offices)



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>Novellus Systems, Inc. Retirement Plan</B><BR>
(Full title of the Plan(s))



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><HR align="center" size="1" noshade width="25%">


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">Kevin S. Royal</DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">Vice President, Chief Financial Officer</DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">Novellus Systems, Inc.</DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">4000 North First Street</DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">San Jose, CA 95134</DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">(Name and address of agent for service)</DIV>



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>408-943-9700</B><BR>
(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><I>Copy to:</I>



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>William D. Sherman<BR>
Morrison &#038; Foerster LLP<BR>
755 Page Mill Road<BR>
Palo Alto, CA 94304</B>



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>650-813-5600</B>



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><HR align="center" size="1" noshade width="25%">



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE</B>


<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="95%">

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    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
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    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
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    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="4%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR style="font-size: 1px" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left" colspan="21" style="border-bottom: 3px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>Proposed maximum</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>Proposed maximum</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>&nbsp;</B></TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Amount to</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>offering price</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>aggregate offering</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>Amount of</B></TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD nowrap align="left"><B>Title of Securities to be Registered</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>be registered (1)</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>per share</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>price</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>registration fee</B></TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>


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    <TD width="1%" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
                    <TD valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">Common Stock, no par value per share
</DIV></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">817,065 shares(2)
</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">$</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">27.68</TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">(3)</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>

<TD nowrap align="right" valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>

<TD nowrap align="center" valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">$22,616,360.00(3)</TD>

<TD nowrap valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>

<TD nowrap align="right" valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>

<TD nowrap align="center" valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">$2,662.00</TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 1px" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left" colspan="21" style="border-top: 3px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>


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</TABLE>
</DIV>

<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="right">(1)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Pursuant to Rule 416(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the &#147;Securities
Act&#148;), this Registration Statement includes an indeterminate number of additional shares of
Novellus Systems, Inc. Common Stock which may be offered and issued to prevent dilution from
stock splits, stock dividends or other similar transactions as provided in the
above-referenced agreements.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="right">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>In addition, pursuant to Rule 416(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with regard
to the shares of Common Stock being registered pursuant to the Novellus Systems, Inc. Retirement
Plan this Registration
Statement also covers an indeterminate amount of interests to be offered or sold pursuant to the
employee benefit plan described herein.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="right">(2)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Represents the amount of shares authorized to be issued under the Novellus Systems, Inc.
Retirement Plan.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="right">(3)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Calculated solely for purposes of this offering under Rule 457(h) of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended. The price of $ 27.68 per share represents the average of the high
and low price per share of Common Stock of Novellus Systems, Inc., as reported on the Nasdaq
National Market on December&nbsp;9, 2004.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>


<P>
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<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;
</DIV>

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<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">




<!-- TOC -->
<A name="toc"><DIV align="CENTER" style="page-break-before:always"><U><B>TABLE OF CONTENTS</B></U></DIV></A>

<P><CENTER>
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</TR>
<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">INDEX TO EXHIBITS</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="f04016exv5w1.htm">EXHIBIT 5.1</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="f04016exv23w2.htm">EXHIBIT 23.2</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="f04016exv23w3.htm">EXHIBIT 23.3</A></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
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<!-- link1 " PART I INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(A) PROSPECTUS" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="000"></A></DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>PART I<BR>
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE<BR>
SECTION 10(A) PROSPECTUS</B>



<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The documents containing the information specified in this Part&nbsp;I of Form S-8 (plan
information and registrant information and employee plan annual information) will be sent or given
to the employee as specified by Securities and Exchange Commission Rule&nbsp;428(b)(1). Such documents
need not be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the &#147;Commission&#148;) 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&nbsp;3 of Part&nbsp;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, as amended (the &#147;Securities
Act&#148;).

<!-- link1 " PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="001"></A></DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>PART II<BR>
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE<BR>
REGISTRATION STATEMENT</B>


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

<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>Item&nbsp;3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.</B>

<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">The following documents filed by the Registrant with the Commission are incorporated by
reference herein:



<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="right">a)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Registrant&#146;s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2003
which includes audited financial statements for the Registrant&#146;s latest fiscal year.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="right">b)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Registrant&#146;s Annual Report on Form 11-K for the Novellus Systems, Inc. Retirement
Plan filed on June&nbsp;25, 2004.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="right">c)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Registrant&#146;s Current Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended on March&nbsp;27,
2004, June&nbsp;26, 2004 and September&nbsp;25, 2004.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="right">d)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Registrant&#146;s Current Reports on Form 8-K and Form 8-K/A filed on July&nbsp;12, 2004,
September&nbsp;10, 2004 and September&nbsp;24, 2004.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="right">e)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>All other reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the &#147;Exchange Act&#148;), since the end of the
fiscal year covered by the audited financial statements described in (a)&nbsp;above.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="right">f)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The description of the Registrant&#146;s Common Stock contained in the Registrant&#146;s
Statement on Form 8-A, filed with the Commission on August&nbsp;31, 1988 under the Exchange Act,
including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">All 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
de-registers all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference
into this Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.
Unless expressly incorporated into this Registration Statement, a report furnished on Form 8-K
shall not be incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement. 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

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">2
</DIV>

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<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">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 statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a
part of this Registration Statement.


<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;4. Description of Securities." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="003"></A></DIV>

<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>Item&nbsp;4. Description of Securities.</B>

<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">Not applicable.


<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="004"></A></DIV>

<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>Item&nbsp;5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.</B>

<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">Not applicable.


<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="005"></A></DIV>

<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>Item&nbsp;6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.</B>

<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">Section&nbsp;317 of the California Corporations Code authorizes a court to award, or a
corporation&#146;s Board of Directors to grant, indemnity to directors and officers in terms
sufficiently broad to permit such indemnification under certain circumstances for liabilities
(including reimbursement for expenses incurred) arising under the Act. The Registrant&#146;s Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws provide for indemnification of its directors and officers, and permits
indemnification of employees and other agents to the maximum extent permitted by the California
Corporations Code. In addition, the Registrant has entered into Indemnification Agreements with its
officers and directors.


<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;7. Exemption From Registration Claimed." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="006"></A></DIV>

<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>Item&nbsp;7. Exemption From Registration Claimed.</B>

<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">Not applicable.


<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="007"></A></DIV>

<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits.</B>


<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="right">5.1</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Opinion of Morrison &#038; Foerster LLP</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="right">23.1</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Consent of Morrison &#038; Foerster LLP (contained in Exhibit&nbsp;5.1)</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="right">23.2</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Consent of Ernst &#038; Young LLP, independent auditors</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="right">23.3</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Consent of Mohler, Nixon &#038; Williams Accountancy Corporation, Independent Accountants</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="right">24.1</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Power of Attorney (see Signature Page)</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;9. Undertakings." -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="008"></A></DIV>

<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>Item&nbsp;9. Undertakings.</B>


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective
amendment to this Registration Statement 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.


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">3
</DIV>

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<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such
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 initial <I>bona fide </I>offering thereof.


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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.


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any
liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant&#146;s annual report pursuant to
Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference in this 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.


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act 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
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities
(other than the payment by the Registrant of the 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 Securities
Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">4
</DIV>

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<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">
<!-- link1 "SIGNATURES" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="009"></A></DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>SIGNATURES</B>


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant, Novellus Systems, Inc.,
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
December&nbsp;14, 2004.



<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR>
    <TD width="48%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="35%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="15%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD valign="top" align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="left">NOVELLUS SYTEMS, INC. <BR>
&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD valign="top">By:&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000" align="left">/s/ Kevin S. Royal
&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="2" align="left">Kevin S. Royal&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="2" align="left">Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- link1 "POWER OF ATTORNEY" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="010"></A></DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>POWER OF ATTORNEY</B>


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Richard S. Hill and Kevin
S. Royal, and each of them, as attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of substitution, for him in
any and all capacities, to sign any amendment to this Registration Statement and to file the same,
with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting to said attorneys-in-fact, 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 might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming the said
attorney-in-fact or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof. This Power of Attorney may be signed in several counterparts.


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been signed by
the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.


<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="65%">

<!-- Begin Table Head --><TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="33%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="34%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="23%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left"><B>Signature</B><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Title</B><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Date</B><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>


<!-- End Table Head -->

<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">/s/ Richard S. Hill
<HR size="1" noshade>
Richard S. Hill</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
Chairman of the Board of
Directors and Chief
Executive Officer
<I>(Principal Executive
Officer)</I>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">December 14, 2004</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">/s/ Kevin S. Royal
<HR size="1" noshade>
Kevin S. Royal</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
<I>(Principal Financial
Officer and Principal
Accounting Officer)</I>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">December 14, 2004</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">/s/ Neil R. Bonke
<HR size="1" noshade>
Neil R. Bonke</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">December 14, 2004</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">5
</DIV>

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<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="65%">

<!-- Begin Table Head --><TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="33%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="34%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="23%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left"><B>Signature</B><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Title</B><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Date</B><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>


<!-- End Table Head -->

<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;<BR>
<HR size="1" noshade>
Youssef A. El-Mansy</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
Director</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">/s/ J. David Litster
<HR size="1" noshade>
J. David Litster</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">December 14, 2004</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">/s/ Yoshio Nishi
<HR size="1" noshade>
Yoshio Nishi</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">December 14, 2004</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">/s/ Glen G. Possley
<HR size="1" noshade>
Glen G. Possley</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">December 14, 2004</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">/s/ Ann D. Rhoads
<HR size="1" noshade>
Ann D. Rhoads</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">December 14, 2004</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">/s/ William R. Spivey
<HR size="1" noshade>
William R. Spivey</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">December 14, 2004</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" nowrap valign="top">/s/ Delbert Whitaker
<HR size="1" noshade>
Delbert Whitaker</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">December 14, 2004</TD>
</TR>

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</TABLE>
</DIV>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">6
</DIV>

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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">
<!-- link1 "INDEX TO EXHIBITS" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="011"></A></DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">INDEX TO EXHIBITS


<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">

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    <TD width="8%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="90%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left"><B>Exhibit</B></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>&nbsp;</B></TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left"><B>Number</B><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="left"><B>Description</B><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>


<!-- End Table Head -->

<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">5.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Opinion of Morrison &#038; Foerster LLP</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">23.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Consent of Morrison &#038; Foerster LLP (contained in Exhibit&nbsp;5.1)</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">23.2
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Consent of Ernst &#038; Young LLP, independent auditors</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">23.3
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Consent of Mohler, Nixon &#038; Williams Accountancy Corporation, Independent Accountants</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">24.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Power of Attorney (see Signature Page)</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;
</DIV>

</BODY>
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sv8
Table of Contents
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 14, 2004
Registration No. 333- ________
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
NOVELLUS SYSTEMS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
California
77-00246
(State or other jurisdiction of
Incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
4000 North First Street
San Jose, CA 95134
(Address of principal executive offices)
Novellus Systems, Inc. Retirement Plan
(Full title of the Plan(s))
Kevin S. Royal
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Novellus Systems, Inc.
4000 North First Street
San Jose, CA 95134
(Name and address of agent for service)
408-943-9700
(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copy to:
William D. Sherman
Morrison & Foerster LLP
755 Page Mill Road
Palo Alto, CA 94304
650-813-5600
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Proposed maximum
Proposed maximum
Amount to
offering price
aggregate offering
Amount of
Title of Securities to be Registered
be registered (1)
per share
price
registration fee
Common Stock, no par value per share
817,065 shares(2)
$
27.68
(3)
$22,616,360.00(3)
$2,662.00
(1)
Pursuant to Rule 416(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"), this Registration Statement includes an indeterminate number of additional shares of
Novellus Systems, Inc. Common Stock which may be offered and issued to prevent dilution from
stock splits, stock dividends or other similar transactions as provided in the
above-referenced agreements.
In addition, pursuant to Rule 416(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with regard
to the shares of Common Stock being registered pursuant to the Novellus Systems, Inc. Retirement
Plan this Registration
Statement also covers an indeterminate amount of interests to be offered or sold pursuant to the
employee benefit plan described herein.
(2)
Represents the amount of shares authorized to be issued under the Novellus Systems, Inc.
Retirement Plan.
(3)
Calculated solely for purposes of this offering under Rule 457(h) of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended. The price of $ 27.68 per share represents the average of the high
and low price per share of Common Stock of Novellus Systems, Inc., as reported on the Nasdaq
National Market on December 9, 2004.
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
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT 5.1
EXHIBIT 23.2
EXHIBIT 23.3
Table of Contents
PART I
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE
SECTION 10(A) PROSPECTUS
The documents containing the information specified in this Part I of Form S-8 (plan
information and registrant information and employee plan annual information) will be sent or given
to the employee as specified by Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 428(b)(1). Such documents
need not be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (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, as amended (the "Securities
Act").
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
The following documents filed by the Registrant with the Commission are incorporated by
reference herein:
a)
The Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003
which includes audited financial statements for the Registrant's latest fiscal year.
b)
The Registrant's Annual Report on Form 11-K for the Novellus Systems, Inc. Retirement
Plan filed on June 25, 2004.
c)
The Registrant's Current Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended on March 27,
2004, June 26, 2004 and September 25, 2004.
d)
The Registrant's Current Reports on Form 8-K and Form 8-K/A filed on July 12, 2004,
September 10, 2004 and September 24, 2004.
e)
All other reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), since the end of the
fiscal year covered by the audited financial statements described in (a) above.
f)
The description of the Registrant's Common Stock contained in the Registrant's
Statement on Form 8-A, filed with the Commission on August 31, 1988 under the Exchange Act,
including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description.
All 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
de-registers all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference
into this Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.
Unless expressly incorporated into this Registration Statement, a report furnished on Form 8-K
shall not be incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement. 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
2
Table of Contents
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 statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a
part of this Registration Statement.
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 317 of the California Corporations Code authorizes a court to award, or a
corporation's Board of Directors to grant, indemnity to directors and officers in terms
sufficiently broad to permit such indemnification under certain circumstances for liabilities
(including reimbursement for expenses incurred) arising under the Act. The Registrant's Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws provide for indemnification of its directors and officers, and permits
indemnification of employees and other agents to the maximum extent permitted by the California
Corporations Code. In addition, the Registrant has entered into Indemnification Agreements with its
officers and directors.
Item 7. Exemption From Registration Claimed.
Not applicable.
Item 8. Exhibits.
5.1
Opinion of Morrison & Foerster LLP
23.1
Consent of Morrison & Foerster LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.1)
23.2
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors
23.3
Consent of Mohler, Nixon & Williams Accountancy Corporation, Independent Accountants
24.1
Power of Attorney (see Signature Page)
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 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.
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2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such
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 initial
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, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to
Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference in this 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 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
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities
(other than the payment by the Registrant of the 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 Securities
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, the Registrant, Novellus Systems, Inc.,
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
December 14, 2004.
NOVELLUS SYTEMS, INC.
By:
/s/ Kevin S. Royal
Kevin S. Royal
Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Richard S. Hill and Kevin
S. Royal, and each of them, as attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of substitution, for him in
any and all capacities, to sign any amendment to this Registration Statement and to file the same,
with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting to said attorneys-in-fact, 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 might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming the said
attorney-in-fact or his substitute or substitutes, 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, this Registration Statement has been signed by
the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ Richard S. Hill
Richard S. Hill
Chairman of the Board of
Directors and Chief
Executive Officer
(Principal Executive
Officer)
December 14, 2004
/s/ Kevin S. Royal
Kevin S. Royal
Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
(Principal Financial
Officer and Principal
Accounting Officer)
December 14, 2004
/s/ Neil R. Bonke
Neil R. Bonke
Director
December 14, 2004
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Signature
Title
Date
Youssef A. El-Mansy
Director
/s/ J. David Litster
J. David Litster
Director
December 14, 2004
/s/ Yoshio Nishi
Yoshio Nishi
Director
December 14, 2004
/s/ Glen G. Possley
Glen G. Possley
Director
December 14, 2004
/s/ Ann D. Rhoads
Ann D. Rhoads
Director
December 14, 2004
/s/ William R. Spivey
William R. Spivey
Director
December 14, 2004
/s/ Delbert Whitaker
Delbert Whitaker
Director
December 14, 2004
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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number
Description
5.1
Opinion of Morrison & Foerster LLP
23.1
Consent of Morrison & Foerster LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.1)
23.2
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors
23.3
Consent of Mohler, Nixon & Williams Accountancy Corporation, Independent Accountants
24.1
Power of Attorney (see Signature Page)