Barr unit files suit against Watson over Seasonique patent

March 5 (Reuters) - Barr Pharmaceuticals Inc BRL.N said its unit filed a suit against Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc (WPI.N), alleging infringement of the patent for Seasonique, its extended-cycle oral contraceptive product.

Barr said its unit Duramed Pharmaceuticals Inc filed the suit to prevent Watson from marketing a competing product prior to the patent expiry in 2024.

The company said if it loses the suit, it could face generic competition for Seasonique as early as May 25, 2009, when the three-year new product exclusivity ends. (Reporting by Jennifer Robin Raj in Bangalore; Editing by Vinu Pilakkott)