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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October&nbsp;12, 2001  </B></FONT></P>

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

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

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<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>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B> LIBERATE TECHNOLOGIES<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Delaware</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>94-3245315</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>(State or other jurisdiction of<BR>
incorporation or organization)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>(I.R.S. Employer<BR>
Identification No.)<BR></FONT>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>2 Circle Star Way<BR>
San Carlos, CA 94070<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) </FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>1999 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN<BR>
1999 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Full title of the Plans) </FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Kent Walker,<BR>
Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary of<BR>
LIBERATE TECHNOLOGIES<BR>
2 Circle Star Way<BR>
San Carlos, CA 94070<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Name and address of agent for service) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>(650)&nbsp;701-4000<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service) </FONT></P>

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

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<TD WIDTH="36%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title of Securities to be Registered</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount to be<BR>
Registered(1)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed Maximum<BR>
Offering Price per<BR>
Share(2)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed Maximum<BR>
Aggregate Offering<BR>
Price(2)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount of<BR>
Registration Fee</B></FONT></TD>
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<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=9 VALIGN="BOTTOM"><HR NOSHADE></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="36%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>1999 Equity Incentive Plan</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<TD WIDTH="36%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>Options to Purchase Common Stock</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>5,235,104</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>N/A</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>N/A</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>N/A</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="36%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>Common Stock, $0.01 par value</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>5,235,104 shares</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>$10.70</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>$56,015,612.80</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>$14,003.91</FONT></TD>
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<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=9 VALIGN="BOTTOM"><HR NOSHADE></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="36%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<TD WIDTH="36%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>Options to Purchase Common Stock</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>1,666,666</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>N/A</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>N/A</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>N/A</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="36%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>Common Stock, $0.01 par value</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>1,666,666 shares</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>$10.70</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>$17,833,326.20</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>$4,458.34</FONT></TD>
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<DL compact>
<DT><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
shares covered by this Registration Statement are from automatic annual increases to stockholder-approved equity plans. This Registration Statement will also cover any
additional shares of Common Stock that become issuable under the 1999 Equity Incentive Plan and 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan by reason of any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization, or
other similar transaction effected without the receipt of consideration that results in an increase in the number of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of Liberate Technologies.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Calculated
solely for purposes of this offering under Rule&nbsp;457(h) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on the basis of the average of the high and low prices per share
of Common Stock of Liberate Technologies as reported on the Nasdaq National Market on October 5, 2001.   </FONT></DD></DL>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
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<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>PART II    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2451_information_required_in_the_registration_statement"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2451_2"> </A></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2451_item_3._incorporation_of_documents_by_reference"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2451_3"> </A></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2>Item 3. </FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Incorporation of Documents by Reference    <BR>  </I></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Liberate Technologies ("Liberate," "we," or "us") hereby incorporates by reference into this Registration Statement the following documents previously filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"): </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT><FONT SIZE=2>(a)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Our
 Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the fiscal year ended May&nbsp;31, 2001;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT><FONT SIZE=2>(b)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Our
 Quarterly Report on Form&nbsp;10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended August&nbsp;31, 2001; and
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT><FONT SIZE=2>(c)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Our
 Registration Statement No.&nbsp;000-26565 on Form&nbsp;8-A filed with the SEC on July&nbsp;1, 1999, together with all amendments thereto, pursuant
to Section&nbsp;12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act") in which there is described the terms, rights, and provisions applicable to our outstanding Common Stock. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All
reports and definitive proxy or information statements filed pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the 1934 Act after the date of this Registration Statement
and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment that indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold shall be
deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2451_item_4._description_of_securities"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2451_4"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Item 4. </FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Description of Securities    <BR>  </I></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not Applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2451_item_5._interests_of_named_experts_and_counsel"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2451_5"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Item 5. </FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Interests of Named Experts and Counsel    <BR>  </I></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kent Walker, our Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary, is furnishing the opinion of counsel regarding the legality of the securities hereby
registered. Mr.&nbsp;Walker has in the past and may in the future receive awards under the 1999 Equity Incentive Plan and participate in the 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2451_item_6._indemnification_of_directors_and_officers"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2451_6"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Item 6. </FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Indemnification of Directors and Officers    <BR>  </I></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section&nbsp;145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law authorizes a court to award or a corporation's board of directors to grant indemnification to
persons sued in certain circumstances relating to their service to the corporation, including providing indemnification to directors and officers in terms sufficiently broad to cover liabilities
(including reimbursement for expenses incurred) arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"). Article&nbsp;VI, Section&nbsp;6.1 of our Bylaws provides for mandatory
indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law of our directors and officers and all persons we have requested to serve as directors, officers, employees, or
agents of other entities. Our Sixth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that, pursuant to Delaware law, our directors shall not be liable for monetary damages for breach of the
directors' fiduciary duty as directors to Liberate and our stockholders, except for (1)&nbsp;breach of the director's duty of loyalty to Liberate, (2)&nbsp;acts or omissions not in good faith or
involving intentional misconduct, (3)&nbsp;knowing violations of law, (4)&nbsp;actions leading to improper personal benefit to the director, and (5)&nbsp;payment of dividends or approval of
stock repurchases or redemptions that are unlawful under Delaware law. This provision in the Sixth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation does not eliminate the directors' fiduciary duty,
and in appropriate circumstances equitable remedies such as injunctive or other forms of non-monetary relief will remain available under Delaware law. The provision also does not affect a
director's responsibilities under any other law, such as the federal securities laws or state or federal environmental laws. We have entered </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>II&#150;1</FONT></P>

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into Indemnification Agreements with our officers and directors. The Indemnification Agreements provide our officers and directors with further indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by the
Delaware General Corporation Law. We maintain liability insurance for our directors and officers. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2451_item_7._exemption_from_registration_claimed"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2451_7"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Item 7. </FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Exemption from Registration Claimed    <BR>  </I></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not Applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2451_item_8._exhibits"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2451_8"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Item 8. </FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Exhibits    <BR>  </I></FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit Number</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="85%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
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<TD WIDTH="12%"><FONT SIZE=2>4</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Instrument Defining Rights of Stockholders. Please see our Registration Statement No. 000-26565 on Form 8-A, together with all amendments thereto, which is incorporated herein pursuant to Item 3(c) of this Registration
Statement.</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="12%"><FONT SIZE=2>5</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Opinion and Consent of the General Counsel of Liberate Technologies.</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="12%"><FONT SIZE=2>23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, Independent Public Accountants.</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="12%"><FONT SIZE=2>23.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Consent of the General Counsel of Liberate Technologies is contained in Exhibit 5.</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="12%"><FONT SIZE=2>24</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Power of Attorney. Please see page II-4 of this Registration Statement.</FONT></TD>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2451_item_9._undertakings"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2451_9"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Item 9. </FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Undertakings    <BR>  </I></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A.&nbsp;&nbsp;Liberate
hereby undertakes: (1)&nbsp;to file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this
Registration Statement (i)&nbsp;to include any prospectus required by Section&nbsp;10(a)(3) of the 1933 Act, (ii)&nbsp;to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
effective date of this 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 this Registration Statement and (iii)&nbsp;to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this Registration
Statement or any material change to such information in this Registration Statement; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>provided</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>, however, that clauses (1)(i)&nbsp;and
(1)(ii)&nbsp;will not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the
SEC by Liberate pursuant to Section&nbsp;13 or Section&nbsp;15(d) of the 1934 Act that are incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement; (2)&nbsp;that
for the purpose of determining any liability under the 1933 Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; and (3)&nbsp;to remove from registration by means of a
post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of Liberate's 1999 Equity Incentive Plan and 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B.&nbsp;&nbsp;Liberate
hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the 1933 Act, each filing of Liberate's annual report pursuant to
Section&nbsp;13(a) or Section&nbsp;15(d) of the 1934 Act that is incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C.&nbsp;&nbsp;Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the 1933 Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of Liberate pursuant to the
indemnification provisions summarized in Item 6 or otherwise, Liberate has been advised that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act, and
is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by Liberate of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of Liberate 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, Liberate will, unless in the opinion of its </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>II&#150;2</FONT></P>

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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
1933 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>II&#150;3</FONT></P>

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<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>SIGNATURES    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Liberate certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form&nbsp;S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of San
Carlos, State of California on the 12th&nbsp;day of October, 2001. </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=3><FONT SIZE=2><B>LIBERATE TECHNOLOGIES</B></FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="45%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ Mitchell E. Kertzman</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Mitchell E. Kertzman<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>Chief Executive Officer and Director</I></FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="jc2451_power_of_attorney"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_jc2451_2"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>POWER OF ATTORNEY    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
undersigned officers and directors of Liberate Technologies, a Delaware corporation, do hereby appoint Mitchell E. Kertzman and Nancy J. Hilker, and either of them, the lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents with full power and authority to take any actions and to execute any instruments that they, and either one of them, determine may be necessary or
advisable to enable Liberate Technologies to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any 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 amendments to this Registration Statement. This Power of Attorney may be signed in several counterparts. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><B>IN WITNESS WHEREOF</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>, each of the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney as of the date indicated. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated, on the
12th day of October, 2001. </FONT></P>

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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Signature</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><BR><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>/s/ Mitchell E. Kertzman</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Mitchell E. Kertzman</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%"><FONT SIZE=2>Chief Executive Officer and Director<BR>
(Principal Executive Officer)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ Nancy J. Hilker</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Nancy J. Hilker</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer<BR>
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ David J. Roux</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> David J. Roux</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Chairman of the Board</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Charles N. Corfield</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Dana L. Evan</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ David C. Nagel</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Dr. David C. Nagel</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>II&#150;4</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ka2451_exhibit_index"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ka2451_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>EXHIBIT INDEX    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

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<TABLE WIDTH="76%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit Number</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="85%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="12%"><FONT SIZE=2>4</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Instrument Defining Rights of Stockholders. Please see our Registration Statement No. 000-26565 on Form 8-A, together with all amendments thereto, which is incorporated herein pursuant to Item 3(c) of this Registration
Statement.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="12%"><FONT SIZE=2>5</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Opinion and Consent of the General Counsel of Liberate Technologies.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="12%"><FONT SIZE=2>23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, Independent Public Accountants.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="12%"><FONT SIZE=2>23.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Consent of the General Counsel of Liberate Technologies is contained in Exhibit 5.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="12%"><FONT SIZE=2>24</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Power of Attorney. Please see page II-4 of this Registration Statement.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<BR>
<P><br><A NAME="01PAL2451_1">QuickLinks</A><br></P><!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2451_1">PART II</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2451_2">INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</A></FONT><BR>
<UL>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2451_3">Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2451_4">Item 4. Description of Securities</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2451_5">Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2451_6">Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2451_7">Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2451_8">Item 8. Exhibits</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2451_9">Item 9. Undertakings</A></FONT><BR>
</UL>
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<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_jc2451_1">SIGNATURES</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_jc2451_2">POWER OF ATTORNEY</A></FONT><BR>
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<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ka2451_1">EXHIBIT INDEX</A></FONT><BR>
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</HTML>
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Prepared by MERRILL CORPORATION
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 12, 2001
Registration No.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Under
The Securities Act of 1933
LIBERATE TECHNOLOGIES
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
94-3245315
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
2 Circle Star Way
San Carlos, CA 94070
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
1999 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
1999 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
(Full title of the Plans)
Kent Walker,
Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary of
LIBERATE TECHNOLOGIES
2 Circle Star Way
San Carlos, CA 94070
(Name and address of agent for service)
(650) 701-4000
(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Securities to be Registered
Amount to be
Registered(1)
Proposed Maximum
Offering Price per
Share(2)
Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Offering
Price(2)
Amount of
Registration Fee
1999 Equity Incentive Plan
Options to Purchase Common Stock
5,235,104
N/A
N/A
N/A
Common Stock, $0.01 par value
5,235,104 shares
$10.70
$56,015,612.80
$14,003.91
1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Options to Purchase Common Stock
1,666,666
N/A
N/A
N/A
Common Stock, $0.01 par value
1,666,666 shares
$10.70
$17,833,326.20
$4,458.34
(1)
The
shares covered by this Registration Statement are from automatic annual increases to stockholder-approved equity plans. This Registration Statement will also cover any
additional shares of Common Stock that become issuable under the 1999 Equity Incentive Plan and 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan by reason of any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization, or
other similar transaction effected without the receipt of consideration that results in an increase in the number of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of Liberate Technologies.
(2)
Calculated
solely for purposes of this offering under Rule 457(h) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on the basis of the average of the high and low prices per share
of Common Stock of Liberate Technologies as reported on the Nasdaq National Market on October 5, 2001.
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3.
Incorporation of Documents by Reference
Liberate Technologies ("Liberate," "we," or "us") hereby incorporates by reference into this Registration Statement the following documents previously filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"):
(a)
Our
 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2001;
(b)
Our
 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended August 31, 2001; and
(c)
Our
 Registration Statement No. 000-26565 on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on July 1, 1999, together with all amendments thereto, pursuant
to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act") in which there is described the terms, rights, and provisions applicable to our outstanding Common Stock.
All
reports and definitive proxy or information statements filed pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the 1934 Act after the date of this Registration Statement
and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment that indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold shall be
deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.
Item 4.
Description of Securities
Not Applicable.
Item 5.
Interests of Named Experts and Counsel
Kent Walker, our Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary, is furnishing the opinion of counsel regarding the legality of the securities hereby
registered. Mr. Walker has in the past and may in the future receive awards under the 1999 Equity Incentive Plan and participate in the 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Item 6.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law authorizes a court to award or a corporation's board of directors to grant indemnification to
persons sued in certain circumstances relating to their service to the corporation, including providing indemnification to directors and officers in terms sufficiently broad to cover liabilities
(including reimbursement for expenses incurred) arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"). Article VI, Section 6.1 of our Bylaws provides for mandatory
indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law of our directors and officers and all persons we have requested to serve as directors, officers, employees, or
agents of other entities. Our Sixth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that, pursuant to Delaware law, our directors shall not be liable for monetary damages for breach of the
directors' fiduciary duty as directors to Liberate and our stockholders, except for (1) breach of the director's duty of loyalty to Liberate, (2) acts or omissions not in good faith or
involving intentional misconduct, (3) knowing violations of law, (4) actions leading to improper personal benefit to the director, and (5) payment of dividends or approval of
stock repurchases or redemptions that are unlawful under Delaware law. This provision in the Sixth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation does not eliminate the directors' fiduciary duty,
and in appropriate circumstances equitable remedies such as injunctive or other forms of non-monetary relief will remain available under Delaware law. The provision also does not affect a
director's responsibilities under any other law, such as the federal securities laws or state or federal environmental laws. We have entered
II–1
into Indemnification Agreements with our officers and directors. The Indemnification Agreements provide our officers and directors with further indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by the
Delaware General Corporation Law. We maintain liability insurance for our directors and officers.
Item 7.
Exemption from Registration Claimed
Not Applicable.
Item 8.
Exhibits
Exhibit Number
Exhibit
4
Instrument Defining Rights of Stockholders. Please see our Registration Statement No. 000-26565 on Form 8-A, together with all amendments thereto, which is incorporated herein pursuant to Item 3(c) of this Registration
Statement.
5
Opinion and Consent of the General Counsel of Liberate Technologies.
23.1
Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, Independent Public Accountants.
23.2
Consent of the General Counsel of Liberate Technologies is contained in Exhibit 5.
24
Power of Attorney. Please see page II-4 of this Registration Statement.
Item 9.
Undertakings
A.  Liberate
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 1933 Act, (ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
effective date of this 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 this Registration Statement and (iii) to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this Registration
Statement or any material change to such information in this Registration Statement;
provided
, however, that clauses (1)(i) and
(1)(ii) will not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the
SEC by Liberate pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the 1934 Act that are incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement; (2) that
for the purpose of determining any liability under the 1933 Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; and (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 Liberate's 1999 Equity Incentive Plan and 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
B.  Liberate
hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the 1933 Act, each filing of Liberate's annual report pursuant to
Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the 1934 Act that is incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
C.  Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the 1933 Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of Liberate pursuant to the
indemnification provisions summarized in Item 6 or otherwise, Liberate has been advised that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act, and
is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by Liberate of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of Liberate 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, Liberate will, unless in the opinion of its
II–2
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
1933 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
II–3
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Liberate certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of San
Carlos, State of California on the 12th day of October, 2001.
LIBERATE TECHNOLOGIES
By:
/s/ Mitchell E. Kertzman
Mitchell E. Kertzman
Chief Executive Officer and Director
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The
undersigned officers and directors of Liberate Technologies, a Delaware corporation, do hereby appoint Mitchell E. Kertzman and Nancy J. Hilker, and either of them, the lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents with full power and authority to take any actions and to execute any instruments that they, and either one of them, determine may be necessary or
advisable to enable Liberate Technologies to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any 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 amendments to this Registration Statement. 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 in the capacities indicated, on the
12th day of October, 2001.
Signature
Title
/s/ Mitchell E. Kertzman
Mitchell E. Kertzman
Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Nancy J. Hilker
Nancy J. Hilker
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
/s/ David J. Roux
David J. Roux
Chairman of the Board
Charles N. Corfield
Director
Dana L. Evan
Director
/s/ David C. Nagel
Dr. David C. Nagel
Director
II–4
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number
Exhibit
4
Instrument Defining Rights of Stockholders. Please see our Registration Statement No. 000-26565 on Form 8-A, together with all amendments thereto, which is incorporated herein pursuant to Item 3(c) of this Registration
Statement.
5
Opinion and Consent of the General Counsel of Liberate Technologies.
23.1
Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, Independent Public Accountants.
23.2
Consent of the General Counsel of Liberate Technologies is contained in Exhibit 5.
24
Power of Attorney. Please see page II-4 of this Registration Statement.
QuickLinks
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference
Item 4. Description of Securities
Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel
Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed
Item 8. Exhibits
Item 9. Undertakings
SIGNATURES
POWER OF ATTORNEY
EXHIBIT INDEX