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<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Registration No.&nbsp;333-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Washington, D.C. 20549  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>FORM S-8<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT<BR>
UNDER<BR>
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>VERSANT CORPORATION<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><B>California</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><B>94-3079392</B></FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2>(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2>(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Versant Corporation<BR>
6539 Dumbarton Circle<BR>
Fremont, CA 94555<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Address of Principal Executive Offices, including Zip Code) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>1996 Equity Incentive Plan<BR>
1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan<BR>
1996 Directors Stock Option Plan<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Full Titles of the Plans) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Lee McGrath<BR>
Vice President, Finance and Administration<BR>
VERSANT CORPORATION<BR>
6539 Dumbarton Circle<BR>
Fremont, California 94555<BR>
(510)&nbsp;789-1500<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Agent for Service) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Copies to:  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B> Barry J. Kramer, Esq.<BR>
John M. Shields, Esq.<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Fenwick&nbsp;&amp; West LLP<BR>
Two Palo Alto Square<BR>
Palo Alto, California 94306 </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE  </B></FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="26%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title of Securities To Be Registered</B></FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount To Be Registered</B></FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Share</B></FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price</B></FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount of Registration Fee</B></FONT><BR></TH>
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<TD WIDTH="26%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2>Common Stock, no par value</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>1,100,000(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$1.33(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$1,463,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$134.60</FONT></TD>
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<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Represents
shares registered pursuant to this Registration Statement that are available for issuance under the Registrant's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan, 1996 Employee Stock Purchase
Plan and 1996 Directors Stock Option Plan. Pursuant to Rule&nbsp;429 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), the prospectuses relating to this Registration
Statement also relate to Form&nbsp;S-8 Registration Statements Nos. 333-08537, 333-29947, 333-80827, 333-43480, 333-58152 and
333-67776. A total of 5,771,702 shares issuable under the Registrant's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan, 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and 1996 Directors Stock Option Plan have been
previously registered under the Securities Act.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Estimated
pursuant to Rule&nbsp;457(c) under the Securities Act, based on the average of the high and low prices of the Registrant's Common Stock as reported by the Nasdaq National
Market on May&nbsp;7, 2002, solely for the purpose of calculating the amount of the registration fee. </FONT></DD></DL>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
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<A NAME="toc_ja1969_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>VERSANT CORPORATION<BR>  REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8    <BR>    <BR>    PART II<BR>  INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Incorporation of Previous Registration Statement  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to General Instruction E of Form&nbsp;S-8, this Registration Statement is filed solely to register 1,100,000 additional shares, in the
amounts stated, under the following employee and director benefit plans of Versant Corporation (the "Registrant"): (i)&nbsp;the Registrant's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan (800,000 shares);
(ii)&nbsp;the Registrant's 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (250,000 shares); and (iii)&nbsp;the Registrant's 1996 Directors Stock Option Plan (50,000 shares). Such increases in shares reserved
under the Registrant's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan, 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and 1996 Directors Stock Option Plan were approved by the Registrant's Board of Directors in February&nbsp;2002
and were approved by the Registrant's shareholders at the Registrant's Annual Meeting of Shareholders on April&nbsp;18, 2002. The contents of the Registrant's Form&nbsp;S-8
Registration Statements Nos. 333-08537, 333-29947, 333-80827, 333-43480, 333-58152, and 333-67776 are hereby incorporated herein
by reference. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja1969_item_8._exhibits"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja1969_2"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 8. Exhibits    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit No.<BR> </B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="89%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Description</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
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<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>4.01</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2>Registrant's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation as filed with the California Secretary of State on July 24, 1996 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.01 of Registrant's Form S-8, File No. 333-43480,
filed with the Commission on August 10, 2000).</FONT></TD>
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4.02</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Registrant's Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation as filed with the California Secretary of State on July 14, 1998 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.04 of Registrant's Form S-8, File No. 333-80827, filed with the
Commission on June 16, 1999).</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.03</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Registrant's Certificate of Determination as filed with the California Secretary of State on July 13, 1999 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;3.01 of Registrant's Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 13, 1999).</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.04</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Registrant's Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.05 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2, File No. 333-4910-LA originally filed with the Commission on May 24, 1996, as subsequently amended on
June 18, 1996 and July 16, 1996).</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.05</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Registrant's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, and related documents (the amended plan is filed herewith and the related documents are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.06 of Registrant's Form S-8, File No. 333-80827, filed with the
Commission on June 16, 1999).</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.06</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Registrant's 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended, and related documents (the amended plan is filed herewith and the related documents are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.08 of Registrant's Form S-8, File No. 333-80827, filed
with the Commission on June 16, 1999).</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.07</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Registrant's 1996 Directors Stock Option Plan, as amended, and related documents (the amended plan is filed herewith and the related documents are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.06 of Registrant's Form S-8, File No. 333-29947, filed
with the Commission on June 24, 1997).</FONT></TD>
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5.01</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Opinion of Fenwick &amp; West LLP.</FONT></TD>
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23.01</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Fenwick &amp; West LLP (included in Exhibit 5.01).</FONT></TD>
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23.02</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, Independent Public Accountants.</FONT></TD>
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24.01</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Power of Attorney (see signature page).</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>2</FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="jc1969_power_of_attorney"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_jc1969_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>POWER OF ATTORNEY    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that each individual whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Nick Ordon and Lee McGrath, and each of them, his or
her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents with full power of substitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any
and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-8, and to file the same with all exhibits thereto and all documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform
each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or his or her or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="jc1969_signatures"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_jc1969_2"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>SIGNATURES    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form&nbsp;S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Fremont,
State of California, on this 8th day of May, 2002. </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2>VERSANT CORPORATION</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="47%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="46%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="47%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2>By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="46%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>/s/ </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>NICK ORDON</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Nick Ordon<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director</I></FONT></TD>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated. </FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="35%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Signature</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="44%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Date</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
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<TD WIDTH="35%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Principal Executive Officer:</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="44%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="35%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>NICK ORDON</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Nick Ordon</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="44%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
May 8, 2002</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="35%" VALIGN="TOP"><BR><FONT SIZE=2><B>Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer:</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="44%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="35%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>LEE MCGRATH</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Lee McGrath</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="44%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Vice President Finance and Administration, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
May 8, 2002</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="35%" VALIGN="TOP"><BR><FONT SIZE=2><B>Additional Directors:</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="44%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="35%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>WILLIAM HENRY DELAVATI</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> William Henry Delevati</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="44%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
May 8, 2002</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="35%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>SHYAM RANGOLE</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Shyam Rangole</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="44%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
May 8, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="35%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>DANIEL L. ROBERTS</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Daniel L. Roberts</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="44%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
May 8, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="35%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>WILLIAM R. SHELLOOE</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> William R. Shellooe</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="44%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
May 8, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<TD WIDTH="35%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>BERNHARD WOEBKER</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Bernhard Woebker</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="44%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
May 8, 2002</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>3</FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ka1969_exhibit_index"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ka1969_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>EXHIBIT INDEX    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit No.<BR> </B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="89%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Description</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>4.01</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2>Registrant's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation as filed with the California Secretary of State on July 24, 1996 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.01 of Registrant's Form S-8, File No. 333-43480,
filed with the Commission on August 10, 2000).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.02</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Registrant's Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation as filed with the California Secretary of State on July 14, 1998 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.04 of Registrant's Form S-8, File No. 333-80827, filed with the
Commission on June 16, 1999).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.03</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Registrant's Certificate of Determination as filed with the California Secretary of State on July 13, 1999 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.01 of Registrant's Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 13, 1999).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.04</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Registrant's Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.05 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2, File No.&nbsp;333-4910-LA originally filed with the Commission on May 24, 1996, as subsequently
amended on June 18, 1996 and July 16, 1996).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.05</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Registrant's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, and related documents (the amended plan is filed herewith and the related documents are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;4.06 of Registrant's Form&nbsp;S-8, File No.&nbsp;333-80827,
filed with the Commission on June 16, 1999).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.06</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Registrant's 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended, and related documents (the amended plan is filed herewith and the related documents are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;4.08 of Registrant's Form&nbsp;S-8, File
No.&nbsp;333-80827, filed with the Commission on June 16, 1999).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.07</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Registrant's 1996 Directors Stock Option Plan, as amended, and related documents (the amended plan is filed herewith and the related documents are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;4.06 of Registrant's Form&nbsp;S-8, File
No.&nbsp;333-29947, filed with the Commission on June 24, 1997).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
5.01</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Opinion of Fenwick &amp; West LLP.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
23.01</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Fenwick &amp; West LLP (included in Exhibit 5.01).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
23.02</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, Independent Public Accountants.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
24.01</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Power of Attorney (see signature page).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<P><br><A NAME="02STP1969_1">QuickLinks</A><br></P><!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja1969_1">VERSANT CORPORATION REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8 PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</A></FONT><BR>
<UL>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja1969_2">Item 8. Exhibits</A></FONT><BR>
</UL>

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<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_jc1969_1">POWER OF ATTORNEY</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_jc1969_2">SIGNATURES</A></FONT><BR>
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<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ka1969_1">EXHIBIT INDEX</A></FONT><BR>
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Registration No. 333-
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
VERSANT CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
California
94-3079392
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
Versant Corporation
6539 Dumbarton Circle
Fremont, CA 94555
(Address of Principal Executive Offices, including Zip Code)
1996 Equity Incentive Plan
1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
1996 Directors Stock Option Plan
(Full Titles of the Plans)
Lee McGrath
Vice President, Finance and Administration
VERSANT CORPORATION
6539 Dumbarton Circle
Fremont, California 94555
(510) 789-1500
(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Agent for Service)
Copies to:
Barry J. Kramer, Esq.
John M. Shields, Esq.
Fenwick & West LLP
Two Palo Alto Square
Palo Alto, California 94306
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Securities To Be Registered
Amount To Be Registered
Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Share
Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price
Amount of Registration Fee
Common Stock, no par value
1,100,000(1)
$1.33(2)
$1,463,000
$134.60
(1)
Represents
shares registered pursuant to this Registration Statement that are available for issuance under the Registrant's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan, 1996 Employee Stock Purchase
Plan and 1996 Directors Stock Option Plan. Pursuant to Rule 429 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), the prospectuses relating to this Registration
Statement also relate to Form S-8 Registration Statements Nos. 333-08537, 333-29947, 333-80827, 333-43480, 333-58152 and
333-67776. A total of 5,771,702 shares issuable under the Registrant's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan, 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and 1996 Directors Stock Option Plan have been
previously registered under the Securities Act.
(2)
Estimated
pursuant to Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act, based on the average of the high and low prices of the Registrant's Common Stock as reported by the Nasdaq National
Market on May 7, 2002, solely for the purpose of calculating the amount of the registration fee.
VERSANT CORPORATION
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Incorporation of Previous Registration Statement
Pursuant to General Instruction E of Form S-8, this Registration Statement is filed solely to register 1,100,000 additional shares, in the
amounts stated, under the following employee and director benefit plans of Versant Corporation (the "Registrant"): (i) the Registrant's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan (800,000 shares);
(ii) the Registrant's 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (250,000 shares); and (iii) the Registrant's 1996 Directors Stock Option Plan (50,000 shares). Such increases in shares reserved
under the Registrant's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan, 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and 1996 Directors Stock Option Plan were approved by the Registrant's Board of Directors in February 2002
and were approved by the Registrant's shareholders at the Registrant's Annual Meeting of Shareholders on April 18, 2002. The contents of the Registrant's Form S-8
Registration Statements Nos. 333-08537, 333-29947, 333-80827, 333-43480, 333-58152, and 333-67776 are hereby incorporated herein
by reference.
Item 8. Exhibits
Exhibit No.
Description
4.01
Registrant's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation as filed with the California Secretary of State on July 24, 1996 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.01 of Registrant's Form S-8, File No. 333-43480,
filed with the Commission on August 10, 2000).
4.02
Registrant's Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation as filed with the California Secretary of State on July 14, 1998 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.04 of Registrant's Form S-8, File No. 333-80827, filed with the
Commission on June 16, 1999).
4.03
Registrant's Certificate of Determination as filed with the California Secretary of State on July 13, 1999 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.01 of Registrant's Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 13, 1999).
4.04
Registrant's Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.05 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2, File No. 333-4910-LA originally filed with the Commission on May 24, 1996, as subsequently amended on
June 18, 1996 and July 16, 1996).
4.05
Registrant's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, and related documents (the amended plan is filed herewith and the related documents are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.06 of Registrant's Form S-8, File No. 333-80827, filed with the
Commission on June 16, 1999).
4.06
Registrant's 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended, and related documents (the amended plan is filed herewith and the related documents are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.08 of Registrant's Form S-8, File No. 333-80827, filed
with the Commission on June 16, 1999).
4.07
Registrant's 1996 Directors Stock Option Plan, as amended, and related documents (the amended plan is filed herewith and the related documents are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.06 of Registrant's Form S-8, File No. 333-29947, filed
with the Commission on June 24, 1997).
5.01
Opinion of Fenwick & West LLP.
23.01
Consent of Fenwick & West LLP (included in Exhibit 5.01).
23.02
Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, Independent Public Accountants.
24.01
Power of Attorney (see signature page).
2
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that each individual whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Nick Ordon and Lee McGrath, and each of them, his or
her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents with full power of substitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any
and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement on Form S-8, and to file the same with all exhibits thereto and all documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform
each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or his or her or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Fremont,
State of California, on this 8th day of May, 2002.
VERSANT CORPORATION
By:
/s/
NICK ORDON
Nick Ordon
President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
Principal Executive Officer:
/s/
NICK ORDON
Nick Ordon
President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director
May 8, 2002
Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer:
/s/
LEE MCGRATH
Lee McGrath
Vice President Finance and Administration, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
May 8, 2002
Additional Directors:
/s/
WILLIAM HENRY DELAVATI
William Henry Delevati
Director
May 8, 2002
/s/
SHYAM RANGOLE
Shyam Rangole
Director
May 8, 2002
/s/
DANIEL L. ROBERTS
Daniel L. Roberts
Director
May 8, 2002
/s/
WILLIAM R. SHELLOOE
William R. Shellooe
Director
May 8, 2002
/s/
BERNHARD WOEBKER
Bernhard Woebker
Director
May 8, 2002
3
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.
Description
4.01
Registrant's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation as filed with the California Secretary of State on July 24, 1996 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.01 of Registrant's Form S-8, File No. 333-43480,
filed with the Commission on August 10, 2000).
4.02
Registrant's Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation as filed with the California Secretary of State on July 14, 1998 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.04 of Registrant's Form S-8, File No. 333-80827, filed with the
Commission on June 16, 1999).
4.03
Registrant's Certificate of Determination as filed with the California Secretary of State on July 13, 1999 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.01 of Registrant's Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 13, 1999).
4.04
Registrant's Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.05 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2, File No. 333-4910-LA originally filed with the Commission on May 24, 1996, as subsequently
amended on June 18, 1996 and July 16, 1996).
4.05
Registrant's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, and related documents (the amended plan is filed herewith and the related documents are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.06 of Registrant's Form S-8, File No. 333-80827,
filed with the Commission on June 16, 1999).
4.06
Registrant's 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended, and related documents (the amended plan is filed herewith and the related documents are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.08 of Registrant's Form S-8, File
No. 333-80827, filed with the Commission on June 16, 1999).
4.07
Registrant's 1996 Directors Stock Option Plan, as amended, and related documents (the amended plan is filed herewith and the related documents are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.06 of Registrant's Form S-8, File
No. 333-29947, filed with the Commission on June 24, 1997).
5.01
Opinion of Fenwick & West LLP.
23.01
Consent of Fenwick & West LLP (included in Exhibit 5.01).
23.02
Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, Independent Public Accountants.
24.01
Power of Attorney (see signature page).
QuickLinks
VERSANT CORPORATION REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8 PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 8. Exhibits
POWER OF ATTORNEY
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX