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Deterring unauthorized use of electronic devices

  • US 7,266,849 B1
  • Filed: 12/08/1999
  • Issued: 09/04/2007
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/08/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for deterring theft of an electronic device, comprising:

  • installing security data in a protected storage area; and

    installing a security routine operable during an activation process to check for the security data when the device is powered on, the security routine includingestablishing a network connection with a manufacturer of the electronic device during the activation process,prompting the manufacturer over the network connection for a network authorization in response to finding the security data,receiving the network authorization before permitting an initial use of the device, andcontinuing the activation process based on the manufacturer responding correctly.

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