[njharman]

It's not a civil issue at all (in the USA). It should be. But the IP industry has convinced government to do their policing and enforcement. One infringement is up to 5yrs and/or $250,000. It's, of course, up to judge to determine sentence. But, they should be prosecuted and forced to pay for defense just like all other IP industry victims.

[dangrossman]

It's both civil and criminal in the US. The vast majority of copyright cases happen in civil court.