Check your Service Coverage and AppleCare Agreements
It was there in May 2009. I had downloaded the AppleCare Certificate in May 2009.
(I purchased AppleCare together with the MBP.)
Luckily, if I check the MBP's serial number using the link "Check Your Service and Support Coverage" on Apple.com/support, it appears to be covered with AppleCare.
At the least, Apple's systems need a little fixing up. I hope their tech staff have access to better information.
Mac Pro 2.8GHz (Early 2008), MacBook Pro 17" 2.93GHz (Early 2009), Dell 2408wfp, Mac OS X (10.5.6)