EXHIBIT 23.1


CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our
report dated January 19, 2001, included in this Form 10-K, into CopyTele, Inc.'s
previously  filed  Registration  Statement  on Form S-8, as  amended,  (File No.
33-49402),  Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 33-72716), Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (File No.  33-62381),  Registration  Statement on Form S-8
(File  No.  333-16933)  and  Registration   Statement  on  Form  S-8  (File  No.
333-53416).




                                                        ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP



Melville, New York
January 26, 2001