Distribution channel loss protection for electronic devices
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A computing device configured with executable code for protecting against distribution channel theft, said executable code capable of causing the computing device to perform at least the following actions:
- during an initial grace period that begins with a first startup after a purchase of the computing device through a distribution channel, operate in a first mode in which a user of the computing device is prompted, with each startup until a valid unlock code is entered, to enter an unlock code associated with the purchase of the computing device, wherein the computing device is substantially fully functional during said grace period regardless of whether a valid unlock code is entered, such that the user need not enter a valid unlock code when first prompted to do so;
in response to entry of a valid unlock code, enter into a second mode in which the computing device is fully functional and in which the user is no longer prompted to enter the unlock code; and
after the grace period expires without entry of a valid unlock code, operate in a third mode in which the computing device does one or both of the following;
(1) transmits data regarding its location to a remote system to facilitate recovery from a possible thief, and (2) performs an action that impedes use of the computing device.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An electronic device prior to entering a distribution channel is equipped with a Loss Prevention Client which permits limited use of the device until correct authentication is provided by a legitimate purchaser. By permitting limited use before authentication, the device remains both useful to a legitimate purchaser and valuable to a thief. While allowing operation in the possession of a thief, options can be provided to permit tracking of the device or to allow proper purchase of the device.
51 Citations
24 Claims
-
1. A computing device configured with executable code for protecting against distribution channel theft, said executable code capable of causing the computing device to perform at least the following actions:
-
during an initial grace period that begins with a first startup after a purchase of the computing device through a distribution channel, operate in a first mode in which a user of the computing device is prompted, with each startup until a valid unlock code is entered, to enter an unlock code associated with the purchase of the computing device, wherein the computing device is substantially fully functional during said grace period regardless of whether a valid unlock code is entered, such that the user need not enter a valid unlock code when first prompted to do so; in response to entry of a valid unlock code, enter into a second mode in which the computing device is fully functional and in which the user is no longer prompted to enter the unlock code; and after the grace period expires without entry of a valid unlock code, operate in a third mode in which the computing device does one or both of the following;
(1) transmits data regarding its location to a remote system to facilitate recovery from a possible thief, and (2) performs an action that impedes use of the computing device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. A method of protecting a computing device from distribution channel theft, comprising:
prior to entry of the computing device into a distribution channel, configuring the computing device with executable code that causes a grace period to begin in response to the computing device first being turned on, said executable code configured to cause the computing device to perform at least the following actions; during said grace period, operate in a first mode in which a user of the computing device is prompted to enter an unlock code associated with a purchase of the computing device, wherein the computing device is substantially fully functional during said grace period regardless of whether a valid unlock code is entered, such that the user need not enter a valid unlock code when first prompted to do so; in response to entry of a valid unlock code, enter into a second mode in which the computing device is fully functional and in which the user is no longer prompted to enter the unlock code; and after the grace period expires without entry of a valid unlock code, operate in a third mode in which the computing device does one or both of the following;
(1) transmits data regarding its location to a remote system to facilitate recovery from a possible thief, and (2) performs an action that impedes use of the computing device.- View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
-
21. A method of protecting an electronic device from distribution channel theft, comprising:
placing the device into a distribution channel with the device configured to start a grace period the next time the device is turned on, and such that the device is configured to operate as follows; during said grace period, operate in a first mode in which a user of the device is prompted to enter an unlock code associated with a purchase of the device, wherein the device is substantially fully functional during said grace period regardless of whether a valid unlock code is entered, such that the user need not enter a valid unlock code when first prompted to do so; in response to entry of a valid unlock code, enter into a second mode in which the device is fully functional and in which the user is no longer prompted to enter the unlock code; and after the grace period expires without entry of a valid unlock code, operate in a third mode in which the device does one or both of the following;
(1) transmits data regarding its location to a monitoring center to facilitate recovery from a possible thief, and (2) performs an action that impedes use of the device.- View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24)
Specification