The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 31, 2004
Filed:
May. 22, 2002
Scott G. Hicks, Apex, NC (US);
Abstract
A system and method for preventing the unauthorized use of improperly obtained mobile equipment is disclosed. The mobile equipment includes a plurality of personalization categories that are programmable into the mobile equipment by the manufacturer. Prior to purchase and at the request of the network provider, at least one of the personalization categories in addition to the network personalization category is enabled in the mobile equipment by the manufacturer. Upon powering up the mobile equipment for the first time, a personalization check is performed for the plurality of personalization categories. The personalization check is destined to fail with respect to one of the personalization categories other than the network personalization category. At this point, the person attempting to activate the mobile equipment is prompted for the authorization code for the personalization category that failed. The authorization code for the personalization category that failed is obtained from the network operator once the network operator is satisfied that the mobile equipment was not improperly obtained. The person attempting to activate the mobile equipment inputs the proper authorization code for the personalization category that failed in order to disable that personalization category. Once the personalization category is disabled, the mobile equipment can function on the intended network.