Shares in high-flyer Carlton Communications Plc slumped 23 pence to 692p yesterday after it was revealed that Electronic Graphics Ltd had applied to the UK Patent Office for a compulsory licence to use Carlton subsdiary Quantel’s patents on the Paintbox graphics processor, which is used to create stunning effects for television: Electronic Graphics has a rival product, Pastiche, and is attempting to demonstrate that Quantel has abused its monopoly.
