The articles of association of a company are generally invalid if they are not signed by the shareholders themselves, because according to the law, the articles of association of a company, whether it is a joint stock limited company or a limited liability company, need to be signed and sealed by the shareholders, otherwise the articles of association of the company will be regarded as invalid, but there are exceptions, that is, the shareholders' agent signs on behalf of the shareholders. At this time, if the signatory holds the agency agreement, the articles of association are valid.

The Articles of Association refers to the basic documents formulated by the company according to law, which stipulate the company's name, domicile, business scope, management system and other important matters, and it is also a necessary written document that stipulates the basic rules of the company's organization and activities. The articles of association is the expression of shareholders' agreement, which stipulates the basic principles of the company's organization and activities, and is the articles of association of the company. Articles of association have the basic characteristics of legitimacy, authenticity, autonomy and openness. The articles of association, like the company law, bear the responsibility of adjusting the company's activities. As the basic principle of the company's organization and behavior, the articles of association are of great significance to the establishment and operation of the company. It is not only the foundation of the company's establishment, but also the soul of the company's survival.

Once the Articles of Association come into effect, it is legally binding. The company rules and regulations of the articles of association determine the effectiveness of the articles of association on the company and its shareholders, and at the same time bind the directors, supervisors and managers of the company. China's "Company Law" stipulates: "The articles of association of the company must be formulated in accordance with this law." The Articles of Association are binding on the Company, shareholders, directors, supervisors and managers.

The Company Law lists it as a special voting item (2/3 voting right) at the shareholders' meeting, which is an effective requirement for amending the articles of association, so the corresponding signature should be the signature of the shareholders of the limited company rather than the signature of the legal representative. Since the number and form of amendments to the articles of association of a joint stock limited company are different from those of the shareholders' meeting of a limited company, it is more appropriate for the legal representative to sign the amendments to the articles of association. The provisions of the Company Registration Ordinance concerning the signing of amendments to the Articles of Association by the legal representative correspond to the resolutions of the shareholders' meeting of the company and the contents reviewed at the same time. This provision cannot be applied in isolation and the way of signing amendments to the Articles of Association can not be considered.

Legal basis: Article 25 of the Company Law stipulates that the articles of association of a limited liability company shall specify the following items: (1) the company name and domicile; (2) The business scope of the company; (3) The registered capital of the company. (4) Names of shareholders. (5) The mode, amount and time of contribution by shareholders. (6) The organizational structure of the company, its methods of formation, powers and rules of procedure; (7) The legal representative of the company; (eight) other matters that need to be stipulated by the shareholders' meeting. Shareholders shall sign and seal the articles of association.