Hey.
Well since this still happens after pulling the battery, it sounds like the digitizer has gone bad. Which is hardware. I'd take it back for a replacement.
What version of the OS are you using? Should be .148. If it isn't update the phone and that may help.
I have had this happen 2 times myself, both times a battery pull fixed it. I only pull the battery in mine 1 to 2 times every couple days, which is normal for any BlackBerry due to it being based on Java.