Disclosed here is a touch panel with improved visibility. The polarizing
plate of the touch panel has a laminated structure in which the
polarizing layer is sandwiched between the upper protective layer and the
lower protective layer. Of the three layers, the lower protective layer
is formed as a phase-difference layer with 1/4 wavelength made of a
cycloolefin-based polymer. The structure protects the polarizing plate
from distortion and deterioration, offering good visibility. At the same
time, the structure above contributes to a reduced parts count and
accordingly a cost-reduced touch panel.