EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Form S-8 Nos. 333-13773, 333-63967, 333-82323, 333-57362, 333-73562) of our report dated March 21, 2002, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Peerless Systems Corporation included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended January 31, 2002. ERNST & YOUNG LLP Los Angeles, California April 30, 2002