What might that fee cover?

"Taxable Costs" Assessed against Losing Party - 28 U.S.C. Section 1920. Under federal statute 28 U.S.C. Section 1920, entitled "Taxation of costs," the court clerk and judge have the shared responsibility of determining and assessing "taxable costs" against the losing party or parties. These costs generally include the prevailing party's costs of deposition transcripts which were used at trial or used in the making of a summary judgment motion, and could amount to anywhere from $1,000 to $50,000, with $20,000 being a reasonably predictable amount. Another expense is copying, which could amount to several hundred dollars or more. Witness fees ($40 per day) and travel/lodging expenses are taxable, as well, and could amount to several thousand dollars. Filing fees would be non-existent if the defendant prevailed, because the filing fee for the filing of the action is paid by the plaintiff. Other fees and costs exist but may not be charged under the court rules, depending on the court.