No policy they put in place will actually coincide with the legal definition of ownership though. In many jurisdictions, there are conditions where you can lawf

No policy they put in place will actually coincide with the legal definition of ownership though. In many jurisdictions, there are conditions where you can lawfully purchase stolen property, there are some caveat emptor issues, but assuming the lock occurs after purchase, Apple could in theory be compelled to unlock the laptop for the new owner. There are all kinds of other less dubious ownership transfers as well. Apple just isn't in a position to arbitrate them all while the law recognizes a second hand market.