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<TITLE>ESS Technology Inc.</TITLE>
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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JUNE 26, 2003.</B>
</FONT>

<DIV align="right"><FONT size="2"><B>REGISTRATION NO. 333-</B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>
</DIV>

<P align="center"><FONT size="4"><B>UNITED STATES<BR>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</B>
</FONT>

<DIV align="center"><FONT size="3"><B>Washington, D.C. 20549</B>
</FONT></DIV>
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<P align="center"><FONT size="5"><B>FORM S-8</B>
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<P align="center"><FONT size="3"><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT<BR>
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</B>
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<P align="center"><FONT size="6"><B>ESS TECHNOLOGY, INC.</B>
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<DIV align="center"><FONT size="2">(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
</FONT></DIV>
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    <TD width="45%">&nbsp;</TD>
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    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2"><B>CALIFORNIA</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>94-2928582</B><BR>
(I.R.S. Employer<BR>
Identification No.)</FONT></TD>
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<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>48401 FREMONT BOULEVARD<BR>
FREMONT, CALIFORNIA 94538<BR>
(510)&nbsp;492-1088</B><BR>
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
</FONT>

<P align="center"><HR align="center" size="1" width="20%" noshade>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>1995 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN<BR>
1997 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN</B><BR>
(Full title of the plans)
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    <TD width="51%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="44%">&nbsp;</TD>
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<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2"><B>Robert L. Blair</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
COPY TO:</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2"><B>President and Chief Executive Officer<BR>
48401 Fremont Boulevard<BR>
Fremont, California 94538</B><BR>
(Name and address of agent for service)<BR>
<B>(510)&nbsp;492-1088</B><BR>
(Telephone number, including area code, of<BR>
agent for service)</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
<B>Peter Cohn<BR>
Lowell D. Ness<BR>
Orrick, Herrington &#038; Sutcliffe LLP<BR>
1020 Marsh Road<BR>
Menlo Park, California 94025<BR>
(650)&nbsp;614-7400</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<P align="center"><FONT size="2">CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="38%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="9%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="10%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
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    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="6%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="7%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
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<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</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</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>&nbsp;</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>maximum</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>maximum</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD colspan="3"><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>offering</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>aggregate</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="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Title of each class of securities</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>price per</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>offering</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>registration</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>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>share (2)</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>price (2)</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>fee</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD colspan="3"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
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<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD colspan="3"><DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="2"><B>1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan</B></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><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD colspan="2"><DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="2">Common Stock,</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><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD colspan="2"><DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="2">no par value</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center"><FONT size="2">500,000 Shares</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">9.02</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">4,510,000</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">365</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>


<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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    <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="3"><DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="2"><B>1997 Equity Incentive Plan</B></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><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD colspan="2"><DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="2">Common Stock,</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><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD colspan="2"><DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="2">no par value</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center"><FONT size="2">1,000,000 Shares</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">9.02</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">9,020,000</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">730</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

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

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="2">TOTAL</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center"><FONT size="2">1,500,000 Shares</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 align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">13,530,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">1,095</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<P>
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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="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">This Registration Statement shall also cover any additional shares of
common stock which become issuable under any of the Plans being registered
pursuant to this Registration Statement 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>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
    <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(2)</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Pursuant to Rule&nbsp;457(h)(1) and 457(c), the proposed maximum offering
price per share and the proposed maximum aggregate offering price have
been calculated on the basis of $9.02 per share, the average of the high
and low price of the common stock of the Registrant as reported on the
Nasdaq National Market on June&nbsp;19, 2003.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT>
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<!-- 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><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#000">PART II</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#001">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="f91137exv5w1.txt">EXHIBIT 5.1</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="f91137exv23w1.txt">EXHIBIT 23.1</A></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>


<!-- link1 "PART II" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="000"></A></DIV>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>PART II</B>
</FONT>

<!-- link2 "INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="001"></A></DIV>
<DIV align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</B>
</FONT></DIV>
<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="002"></A></DIV>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">Item&nbsp;3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Incorporation of Documents by Reference.</B>
</FONT>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">The following documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission are
incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement:
</FONT>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">(a)&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Registrant&#146;s Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the fiscal year ended
December&nbsp;31, 2002, filed pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the &#147;Exchange Act&#148;);
</FONT>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">(b)&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All other reports filed pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange
Act since the end of the fiscal year covered by the annual report referred to
in (a)&nbsp;above;
</FONT>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">(c)&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The description of the Registrant&#146;s common stock, no par value, which is
contained in the Registrant&#146;s Form&nbsp;8-A Registration Statement filed under
Section&nbsp;12 of the Exchange Act on
</FONT>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</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">October&nbsp;5, 1995, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of
updating such description.
</FONT>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">All documents subsequently filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections&nbsp;13(a),
13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, 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 in this Registration Statement and to
be a part of this Registration Statement from the date of filing such
documents.
</FONT>
<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;4. Description of Securities" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="003"></A></DIV>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">Item&nbsp;4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Description of Securities.</B>
</FONT>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">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">Item&nbsp;5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.</B>
</FONT>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">The validity of the common stock registered hereby will be passed upon for us
by Orrick, Herrington &#038; Sutcliffe LLP, Menlo Park, California. Peter Cohn, a
partner of Orrick, Herrington &#038; Sutcliffe LLP, is Secretary of Registrant.
</FONT>
<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="005"></A></DIV>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">Item&nbsp;6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Indemnification of Directors and Officers.</B>
</FONT>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">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 Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the &#147;Securities
Act&#148;). The Registrant&#146;s Bylaws provide that the Registrant must indemnify its
directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by California law,
including circumstances in which indemnification is otherwise discretionary
under California law. Article&nbsp;III of the Registrant&#146;s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
provides for indemnification of its directors and officers to the maximum
extent permitted by the California Corporations Code and Section&nbsp;6.1 of Article
VI of the Registrant&#146;s Bylaws provides for indemnification of its directors,
officers, employees and other agents to the maximum extent permitted by the
California Corporations Code. The Registrant has entered into indemnification
agreements with its directors and officers containing provisions which are in
some respects broader than the specific indemnification provisions contained in
the California Corporations Code. The indemnification agreements may require
the Registrant, among other things, to indemnify its directors and officers
against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service
as directors and officers (other than liabilities arising from willful
misconduct of culpable nature), to advance their expenses incurred as a result
of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified, and to
obtain directors&#146; and officers&#146; insurance if available on reasonable terms.
</FONT>
<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;7. Exemption from Registration Claimed" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="006"></A></DIV>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">Item&nbsp;7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Exemption from Registration Claimed.</B>
</FONT>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">Not applicable.
</FONT>
<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="007"></A></DIV>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">Item&nbsp;8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Exhibits.</B>
</FONT>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT>
<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">The following exhibits have been filed or incorporated by reference as part of
this Registration Statement:
</FONT>
<CENTER>
<TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="9%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="86%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Exhibit</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Number</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">4.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Registration Rights Agreement dated May&nbsp;28, 1993 among the
Registrant and certain security holders. (Incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit&nbsp;10.07 to the Registration Statement on Form
S-1 (File No.&nbsp;33-95388), filed on August&nbsp;4, 1995.)</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>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">5.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Opinion of Orrick, Herrington &#038; Sutcliffe LLP.</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>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><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, Independent Accountants.</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>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">23.2</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Consent of Orrick, Herrington &#038; Sutcliffe LLP (included in Exhibit
5.1 to this Registration Statement).</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>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><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 (see signature page to this Registration
Statement).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
<!-- link2 "Item&nbsp;9. Undertakings" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="008"></A></DIV>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">Item&nbsp;9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Undertakings.</B>
</FONT>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">(a)&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
</FONT>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement;
</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;(i)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To include any prospectus required by Section&nbsp;10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act;</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;(ii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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>
<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;(iii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To include any material information with respect to the plan
of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or
any material change in such information in the Registration Statement;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) do not apply if the
information required to be included in the post-effective amendment by those
paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the
Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section&nbsp;13 or 15(d) of the Exchange
Act that are incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement.
</FONT>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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
</FONT>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT>
<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at
that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
</FONT>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">(b)&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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&nbsp;13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange
Act 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.
</FONT>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">(c)&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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 Securities and Exchange 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 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 shall, 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.
</FONT>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT>
<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<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">SIGNATURES
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
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 Fremont, State of California, on this 26th day
of June 2003.
</FONT>
<CENTER>
<TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="40%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="54%">&nbsp;</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" colspan="3"><FONT size="2">
ESS TECHNOLOGY, INC.</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/&nbsp;&nbsp; ROBERT L. BLAIR</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <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"><HR size="1" noshade></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">Robert L. Blair<BR>
President and Chief Executive Officer</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>

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

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below hereby constitutes and appoints, jointly and severally, Robert L. Blair
and James B. Boyd, and each of them, the lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents
with full power and authority to do any and all acts and things and to execute
any and all instruments which said attorneys and agents, and any one of them,
determine may be necessary or advisable or required to enable said corporation
to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules or
regulations or requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in
connection with this Registration Statement. Without limiting the generality of
the foregoing power and authority, the powers granted include the power and
authority to sign the names of the undersigned officers and directors in the
capacities indicated below to this Registration Statement, to any and all
amendments, both pre-effective and post-effective, and supplements to this
Registration Statement, and to any and all instruments or documents filed as
part of or in conjunction with this Registration Statement or amendments or
supplements thereof, and each of the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms
that all said attorneys and agents, or any one of them, shall 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">IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney
as of the date indicated.
</FONT>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons on behalf
of the Registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
</FONT>
<CENTER>
<TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="18%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="10%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="25%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="20%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="10%">&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 valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/  ROBERT L. BLAIR<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Robert L. Blair</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director, President and Chief<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Executive Officer (Principal<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Executive Officer)
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">June 26, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/  JAMES B. BOYD<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
James B. Boyd</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Chief Financial Officer<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Principal Financial Officer)
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">June 26, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/  FRED S.L. CHAN<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Fred S.L. Chan</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Chairman of the Board of<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Directors
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">June 26, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/  PETER T. MOK<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Peter T. Mok</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Director
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">June 26, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/  DAVID S. LEE<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
David S. Lee</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Director
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">June 26, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/  DOMINIC NG<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Dominic Ng</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Director
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">June 26, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/  ALFRED J. STEIN, JR.<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Alfred J. Stein, Jr.</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Director
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">June 26, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT>
<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

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

<CENTER>
<TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="75%">
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="9%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="86%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Exhibit</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Number</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">4.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Registration Rights Agreement dated May&nbsp;28, 1993 among the
Registrant and certain security holders. (Incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit&nbsp;10.07 to the Registration Statement on Form
S-1 (File No.&nbsp;33-95388), filed on August&nbsp;4, 1995.)</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>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">5.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Opinion of Orrick, Herrington &#038; Sutcliffe LLP.</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>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><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, Independent Accountants.</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>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">23.2</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Consent of Orrick, Herrington &#038; Sutcliffe LLP (included in Exhibit
5.1 to this Registration Statement).</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>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><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 (see signature page to this Registration
Statement).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT>



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ESS Technology Inc.
Table of Contents
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JUNE 26, 2003.
REGISTRATION NO. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
ESS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
CALIFORNIA
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
94-2928582
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
48401 FREMONT BOULEVARD
FREMONT, CALIFORNIA 94538
(510) 492-1088
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
1995 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
1997 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
(Full title of the plans)
Robert L. Blair
COPY TO:
President and Chief Executive Officer
48401 Fremont Boulevard
Fremont, California 94538
(Name and address of agent for service)
(510) 492-1088
(Telephone number, including area code, of
agent for service)
Peter Cohn
Lowell D. Ness
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
1020 Marsh Road
Menlo Park, California 94025
(650) 614-7400
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Proposed
Proposed
maximum
maximum
offering
aggregate
Amount of
Title of each class of securities
Amount to be
price per
offering
registration
to be registered
registered(1)
share (2)
price (2)
fee
1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Common Stock,
no par value
500,000 Shares
$
9.02
$
4,510,000
$
365
1997 Equity Incentive Plan
Common Stock,
no par value
1,000,000 Shares
$
9.02
$
9,020,000
$
730
TOTAL
1,500,000 Shares
$
13,530,000
$
1,095
(1)
This Registration Statement shall also cover any additional shares of
common stock which become issuable under any of the Plans being registered
pursuant to this Registration Statement 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)
Pursuant to Rule 457(h)(1) and 457(c), the proposed maximum offering
price per share and the proposed maximum aggregate offering price have
been calculated on the basis of $9.02 per share, the average of the high
and low price of the common stock of the Registrant as reported on the
Nasdaq National Market on June 19, 2003.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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 23.1
Table of Contents
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3.
Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
The following documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission are
incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement:
(a)       The Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2002, filed pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act");
(b)       All other reports filed pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange
Act since the end of the fiscal year covered by the annual report referred to
in (a) above;
(c)       The description of the Registrant's common stock, no par value, which is
contained in the Registrant's Form 8-A Registration Statement filed under
Section 12 of the Exchange Act on
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October 5, 1995, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of
updating such description.
All documents subsequently filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections 13(a),
13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, 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 in this Registration Statement and to
be a part of this Registration Statement from the date of filing such
documents.
Item 4.
Description of Securities.
Not applicable.
Item 5.
Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.
The validity of the common stock registered hereby will be passed upon for us
by Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, Menlo Park, California. Peter Cohn, a
partner of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, is Secretary of Registrant.
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 Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"). The Registrant's Bylaws provide that the Registrant must indemnify its
directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by California law,
including circumstances in which indemnification is otherwise discretionary
under California law. Article III of the Registrant's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
provides for indemnification of its directors and officers to the maximum
extent permitted by the California Corporations Code and Section 6.1 of Article
VI of the Registrant's Bylaws provides for indemnification of its directors,
officers, employees and other agents to the maximum extent permitted by the
California Corporations Code. The Registrant has entered into indemnification
agreements with its directors and officers containing provisions which are in
some respects broader than the specific indemnification provisions contained in
the California Corporations Code. The indemnification agreements may require
the Registrant, among other things, to indemnify its directors and officers
against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service
as directors and officers (other than liabilities arising from willful
misconduct of culpable nature), to advance their expenses incurred as a result
of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified, and to
obtain directors' and officers' insurance if available on reasonable terms.
Item 7.
Exemption from Registration Claimed.
Not applicable.
Item 8.
Exhibits.
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The following exhibits have been filed or incorporated by reference as part of
this Registration Statement:
Exhibit
Number
4.1
Registration Rights Agreement dated May 28, 1993 among the
Registrant and certain security holders. (Incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.07 to the Registration Statement on Form
S-1 (File No. 33-95388), filed on August 4, 1995.)
5.1
Opinion of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP.
23.1
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent Accountants.
23.2
Consent of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP (included in Exhibit
5.1 to this Registration Statement).
24.1
Power of Attorney (see signature page to this Registration
Statement).
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) of the
Securities Act;
(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;
(iii)     To include any material information with respect to the plan
of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or
any material change in such information in the Registration Statement;
provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) do not apply if the
information required to be included in the post-effective amendment by those
paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the
Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange
Act that are incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement.
(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
Table of Contents
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 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
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 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 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 shall, 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.
Table of Contents
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
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 Fremont, State of California, on this 26th day
of June 2003.
ESS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
By:
/s/   ROBERT L. BLAIR
Robert L. Blair
President and Chief Executive Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below hereby constitutes and appoints, jointly and severally, Robert L. Blair
and James B. Boyd, and each of them, the lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents
with full power and authority to do any and all acts and things and to execute
any and all instruments which said attorneys and agents, and any one of them,
determine may be necessary or advisable or required to enable said corporation
to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules or
regulations or requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in
connection with this Registration Statement. Without limiting the generality of
the foregoing power and authority, the powers granted include the power and
authority to sign the names of the undersigned officers and directors in the
capacities indicated below to this Registration Statement, to any and all
amendments, both pre-effective and post-effective, and supplements to this
Registration Statement, and to any and all instruments or documents filed as
part of or in conjunction with this Registration Statement or amendments or
supplements thereof, and each of the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms
that all said attorneys and agents, or any one of them, shall do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney may be signed in several
counterparts.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney
as of the date indicated.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons on behalf
of the Registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/  ROBERT L. BLAIR
Robert L. Blair
Director, President and Chief
Executive Officer (Principal
Executive Officer)
June 26, 2003
/s/  JAMES B. BOYD
James B. Boyd
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
June 26, 2003
/s/  FRED S.L. CHAN
Fred S.L. Chan
Chairman of the Board of
Directors
June 26, 2003
/s/  PETER T. MOK
Peter T. Mok
Director
June 26, 2003
/s/  DAVID S. LEE
David S. Lee
Director
June 26, 2003
/s/  DOMINIC NG
Dominic Ng
Director
June 26, 2003
/s/  ALFRED J. STEIN, JR.
Alfred J. Stein, Jr.
Director
June 26, 2003
Table of Contents
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number
4.1
Registration Rights Agreement dated May 28, 1993 among the
Registrant and certain security holders. (Incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.07 to the Registration Statement on Form
S-1 (File No. 33-95388), filed on August 4, 1995.)
5.1
Opinion of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP.
23.1
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent Accountants.
23.2
Consent of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP (included in Exhibit
5.1 to this Registration Statement).
24.1
Power of Attorney (see signature page to this Registration
Statement).