The ongoing bid by Research In Motion (RIM) to acquire applications specialist Certicom was officially blocked this week by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.

RIM, maker of the BlackBerry, tried buying Certicom for nearly $40.8 million late last year. But in the process, RIM breached non-disclosure agreements, the court found.

Certicom, in response, said RIM is welcome to try again if it follows the rules. “If RIM wishes to proceed with a subsequent offer, it may do so in compliance with its non-disclosure agreements with Certicom, or with Certicom’s consent,” the company stated.  Certicom is evaluating all of its strategic alternatives, it said.

RIM said it is considering an appeal.