Patent ID: 8800061

Claim:
An automated method of remotely monitoring and controlling an electronic device, the method comprising: by a computer system of a monitoring center: receiving a call over a network from the electronic device, said call initiated by an agent installed on the electronic device, said agent including functionality for tracking usage of the electronic device and for reporting information regarding said usage to the monitoring center, the agent thereby facilitating recovery of the electronic device when stolen; in response to the call: determining, at least, whether a sale of the electronic device has been reported and whether the electronic device is reported as stolen; by communication with the agent, causing the electronic device to enter into a state that is dependent, at least, upon the determination of whether a sale of the electronic device has been reported, said state affecting whether the agent reports information to the monitoring center regarding usage of the electronic device; and in response to determining that the electronic device has not been reported as sold and is not reported as stolen, (1) causing the electronic device to execute a rogue device procedure, and (2) causing an alert message to be transmitted to a manufacturer or distributor of the electronic device, said alert message representing a determination that the electronic device placed the call while having a status of both not sold and not reported as stolen.