Abstract. Taking into consideration that the world economy is seriously hit, we realize there is a need for solutions, either new or old, which should support the economic re-launch and recovery. In this paper we will not focus on solutions, but on the obstacles which arise in the way of economic recovery, due to the industry of copies (counterfeit products), that had a tremendous growth during the last years, jeopardizing thus both the economic security and the consumer security, according to the examples provided hereinafter.

Keywords: counterfeiting; research & development; economic recovery.