[jackalope]

That's assuming the device is associated with a Google account. It's not a requirement and losing the unlocking password/gesture may leave the phone completely unusable (except for 911 calls). Sadly, I speak from personal experience. I do not believe Google has a way of remotely associating a locked phone with a Google account to regain access.

[jakeonthemove]

You sure? I can't use my Android phone (Gingerbread) without a damn Google account - I have to use a throwaway one just to be able to use my smartphone...