Patent ID: 8241369

Claim:
An electronic device configured with executable code for protecting against theft, said executable code capable of causing the electronic device to perform at least the following actions: during an initial grace period that begins with a first startup after a purchase of the electronic device through a distribution channel, operate in a first mode in which a user of the electronic device is prompted to enter an unlock code associated with the purchase of the electronic device, wherein the electronic 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 electronic 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 electronic 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, (2) performs an action that impedes use of the electronic device; whereby the executable code protects against distribution channel theft of the electronic device.