Regarding the Dawn clone...

Is there any precedent in U.S. law of someone successfully suing over one 3D mesh having a similar/exact shape (yet different vertices & mesh design) to another mesh? 

I don't think copyright law extends that far in the U.S. This seems like something that could be threatened but not enforced.

In Europe, I believe you all have what are legally called "moral rights" which might be violated in this case, but DAZ3D is a U.S. company.

My RMP Store | Freebies

Poser Ambassador; Poser 11 & 12 / DS4 / Metasequoia / Silo / Zbrush / realityPaint / UVMapperPro / XD 4 / Ps CC / Fw / Ai / Painter 12 / Clip Studio Paint / Comipo / Reality 3 / Windows 10 / Units = Poser Native