In Germany, even uploading copyrighted works is punishable by law. Downloading is, too, if the source is clearly illegal.
Most content owners do not file criminal charges any more these days, since extorting people for cash is far more profitable (and less likely to generate bad PR) than filing criminal charges.
Also, the German system works in the way that e.g. in a bar brawl first you file criminal charges (here: assault), then the aggressor gets sentenced to jail or fine (to be paid to the state), and then with the verdict you go to a civil court and sue the aggressor for damages.
If I understand US courts correct, they summarize both into one court.
Most content owners do not file criminal charges any more these days, since extorting people for cash is far more profitable (and less likely to generate bad PR) than filing criminal charges.
Also, the German system works in the way that e.g. in a bar brawl first you file criminal charges (here: assault), then the aggressor gets sentenced to jail or fine (to be paid to the state), and then with the verdict you go to a civil court and sue the aggressor for damages.
If I understand US courts correct, they summarize both into one court.