This functionality has existed in the iPhone since launch. It was confirmed in a [wall street journal interview][1] with Steve Jobs on 11 Aug 2008.

> Apple raised hackles in computer-privacy and security circles when an
> independent engineer discovered code inside the iPhone that suggested
> iPhones routinely check an Apple Web site that could, in theory
> trigger the removal of the undesirable software from the devices.
> 
> Mr. Jobs confirmed such a capability exists, but argued that Apple
> needs it in case it inadvertently allows a malicious program -- one
> that stole users' personal data, for example -- to be distributed to
> iPhones through the App Store. "Hopefully we never have to pull that
> lever, but we would be irresponsible not to have a lever like that to
> pull," he says.

This patent also would need to address the existing patent from [Microsoft US 7516478 B2 
 Remote management of mobile devices][2]


  [1]: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121842341491928977.html
  [2]: http://www.google.com/patents/US7516478