Despite the global economic downturn and the poor numbers being offered by handset manufacturers like Nokia and Sony Ericsson, Blackberry maker RIM is reporting a net income of $643 million USD in Q1 2009, up from $482.5 million USD in the same quarter last year.

RIM also reports that their share of the American smartphone market grew to 55% in this time span, up from 40% as reported in the previous two quarters. The total number of Blackberry subscribers rose to 28.5 million, up 3.8 million during Q1 2009.

The positive news comes on the heels of RIM CEO Jim Balsillie’s failed bid to purchase a professional hockey team, turned down last week by a bankruptcy judge attempting to mediate between Balsillie, the bankrupt franchise he wishes to purchase and the National Hockey League.