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                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1

                                  June 8, 2001

SCM Microsystems, Inc.
47211 Bayside Parkway
Fremont, CA 94538

              RE: REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-3

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         We have examined the registration statement on Form S-3 to be filed by
you with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about June 8, 2001 (the
"Registration Statement"), in connection with the registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, of 262,380 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value, to
be sold by certain stockholders listed in the Registration Statement. As your
counsel, we have examined the transactions taken and proposed to be taken in
connection with the sale of such shares by such stockholders in the manner set
forth in the Registration Statement.

         It is our opinion that such shares, if sold by such stockholders in the
manner set forth in the Registration Statement, will be legally and validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

         We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement, and further consent to the use of our name wherever appearing in the
Registration Statement, including the Prospectus constituting a part thereof,
and any amendment thereto.

                                      Very truly yours,

                                      /s/ Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
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                                      Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
                                      Professional Corporation